The former TV contestant turned recording artist is really one to watch.
Her passion for music first began aged 4, after auditioning for a role in Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.
And now, years later, the thrill of performing still resonates with Aishah Al Banawi, who skyrocketed into the public eye with a scene-stealing turn on Arabs Got Talent.
Read:
Will Meghan Markle wear a Middle Eastern designer on her big day?
Lindsay Lohan: ‘Dubai is a very big place for female activists’
The Saudi singer, who is based in the US but has previously lived in Jeddah, competed in the 2015 season of the talent show—and her spine-tingling rendition of Etta James’ At Last ensured she scored a place in the semi-finals.
Al Banawi revealed she had a mixed response to her participation, with friends and family both supporting her and sharing worries over the show.
“There were people who wanted to support my decision to be on the show from the very beginning because they knew this was something that I really wanted,” the singer told Elan magazine.
“Then there were people who supported it once they saw the first performance air, because they were convinced once the success of the show started to kick in.
“But it feels good that I fought for something I wanted. It felt like a battle for my artist self, and I had to defend my creative self, and nurture it. So I feel like a stronger artist because of this experience.”
Following her small-screen appearances, Al Banawi continued her studies at New York City’s Columbia University, from which she graduated last year.
Shortly thereafter, the Saudi songstress inked a recording deal with music producer Randy Jackson.
The rising star was also spotted on last month’s Grammys red carpet, wearing a design by her cousin, Dubai-based Arwa Al Banawi.
Attending the awards show was a “dream come true”, the singer revealed on Instagram, adding that “I’ve grown up watching it every year admiring the performers”.
“This dress created by my cousin meant the world to wear. She created this dress that states ‘her life’ on the back on behalf of a feminine movement occurring now,” Al Banawi posted.
“As we redefine, reclaim, and resurrect these innate life force knowledges, we shift perspectives on how we see ourselves and how we give back to the world through our ‘deeply female’ selves. This to me isn’t just a “modern” movement. It is invoking a memory. An ancient memory and a reminder of what was always there.”
It’s not known exactly what music Al Banawi is working on, or exactly when we can expected singles and albums to drop, but she previously revealed a desire to “translate Arabic poems and sing them in English”.
Read:
Rihanna and her Saudi beau are still going strong…
George Clooney just revealed exactly how he first met Amal
“Arabic poetry is so vast and profound. I think it would sound great next to a melody line,” she told Elan.
“I would like my music to be a bridge combining sounds of the Middle East with Western music.”
We’re calling it now: she’s definitely one to watch in 2018.
Images: Aishah Al Banawi/Instagram
