Maya Waked Blends Cultures and Music on International Stage
DUBAI : For Canadian-Lebanese singer Maya Waked, music has always been inseparable from memory and cultural identity. Growing up in Lebanon, Waked was immersed in music at home, influenced by her late father’s love for singing and exposure to Arab musical icons such as Fairuz, Asmahan, Umm Kulthum, and Mohammed Abdel Wahab. She described attending weekly concerts, operas, and musical events as a formative part of her upbringing.
Her connection to music evolved after leaving Lebanon as a teenager. During her years in France, she explored European culture, integrating its influences into her personal and artistic development. However, it was her move to Canada that deepened her appreciation of her Arab roots. Hosting a radio program for the Arabic diaspora, Waked reconnected with her culture, finding stability and inspiration in her heritage.
Waked’s music today reflects this multicultural journey, blending Arabic melodies with elements from French literature, jazz, bossa nova, and global sounds. Her performances resonate internationally, highlighting a seamless integration of diverse influences while remaining anchored in her Lebanese identity.
Her recent performance at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marked her first appearance in the Kingdom and was described by Waked as a meaningful experience. She noted that the audience was attentive, open, and knowledgeable, recognizing both her tunes and musical influences.
Looking ahead, Waked is recording new music and planning a music video as she continues to perform across the region, further expanding her reach and bridging cultures through her art.
