A Dialogue with Maya Waked The Art of Genre-Defying Music . Muse : We sat down with Maya Waked, the Lebanese-Canadian singer whose unique blend of Arabic, French, and jazz is captivating global audiences. Ahead of her Dubai performance, we explored the roots of her genre-defying music, her creative process, and her message of connection.
By Lea Mohammed
Maya Waked on Her Genre-Defying Sound
This section explores how Maya Waked’s multicultural background shapes her unique musical style.
Defining a Unique Musical Identity
Muse : Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your musical beginnings?
Maya Waked: I grew up surrounded by the sounds of the Lebanese music scene and the eclectic influences of my multicultural background. Music has always been a way to express emotions and bring people together. It’s the language I use to bridge worlds.
The Meaning of ‘Genre-Defying’ Music
Muse : On that note, what does “genre-defying music” mean to you as an artist?
Maya Waked: I embrace the term “genre-defying” because it signifies freedom from the mainstream. For me, it’s about creating a sound that transcends genres by blending influences from different cultures, eras, and styles. It means fusing everything I love—from soulful Arabic melodies to the freedom of jazz improvisation—into a sound that invites listeners into a space of endless possibilities.
The Soul of the Song: Identity, Nostalgia, and Connection
Here, Maya Waked delves into the emotional core of her work and the experience she aims to create for her audience.
H3: Exploring Themes of Identity and Belonging
Muse : What are the core messages you strive to convey through your music?
Maya Waked: My music revolves around identity, belonging, and nostalgia. Through a lens of multiculturalism, I aim to convey universal emotions like love, longing, and hope. Music is my tool for connection, whether I’m celebrating my Lebanese roots, exploring my journey as an immigrant, or simply speaking to the feeling of navigating between different worlds.
H3: Crafting an Emotional Journey for the Audience
Muse English: What do you hope your audience will experience at your Zabeel Theatre performance?
Maya Waked: I want the audience to feel like they’re on a journey with me. I hope to create an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy where they can feel nostalgia, excitement, and connection. My goal is to evoke the feeling of “home”—especially for fellow Lebanese expats and anyone who feels torn between cultures. It will be an emotional, yet celebratory, experience.
Behind the Music: The Creative Process of Maya Waked
This part uncovers the mechanics behind Maya Waked’s music, from her linguistic blend to her recording process.
The Fusion of Language, Culture, and Jazz
Muse : How do you blend Arabic, French, and English with Jazz so seamlessly?
Maya Waked: Being trilingual, each language offers a unique emotional rhythm. Arabic brings poetic weight, French adds romanticism, and English provides a modern touch. I love blending these with the freedom and soulfulness of jazz. This fusion allows me to create a sound that is uniquely mine, where every song is a new exploration of emotional depth.
Reimagining Classics with Emotional Resonance
Muse : How do you select the classic songs you choose to reinterpret?
Maya Waked: It always comes down to emotional resonance.
look for timeless songs that stir something in me.
believe they deserve to be heard in a new light, with modern arrangements that can speak to younger generations while respecting their original essence. often gravitate towards songs with deep cultural significance that evoke a sense of collective memory.
The Artist’s Journey and a Message for the Future
In this final section, Maya Waked reflects on her career challenges, her audience, and offers advice to the next generation of artists.
Connecting with a Multicultural Audience
Muse : Who is the primary audience for Maya Waked’s music?
Maya Waked: My music resonates most with people who, like me, live between worlds—especially Lebanese expats and young adults from multicultural backgrounds. While my audience spans a wide range of ages, I’ve found that people from all walks of life connect with the music, even if they don’t speak the language, because they can feel the emotion in the melodies.
Overcoming Challenges as a Global Artist
Muse : What have been the biggest challenges in your career?
Maya Waked: Balancing my personal life with my music career, especially while moving between countries, has been my biggest challenge. The instability was difficult, but I’ve learned that uncertainty often sparks the most powerful creativity. I’ve found a balance now where I can channel those experiences into my work while staying true to my voice.
A Word of Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Muse : Finally, do you have a message for aspiring artists in the Arab world?
Maya Waked: Stay true to yourself and never stop working on your craft. The world is waiting for your unique voice, but hard work is the only way to be heard. Embrace your identity and culture, and let that shine through your music. Don’t be afraid to experiment and defy conventions. The beauty of art is that it’s limitless—keep pushing boundaries and never stop telling your story.
