A world in a song: How music captures lives, dreams and memories
Lebanese singer-songwriter Maya Waked speaks about the emotions behind her music
Maya, your music blends Arabic, French, and English lyrics with jazz, bossa nova, and folk influences. Can you tell us how this genre-defying approach reflects your personal journey and background?
My name is Maya Waked, and I’d like to think of my music as a direct reflection of the cultures I’ve lived in and experienced. Growing up between different cultures, I never felt fully tied to just one tradition. I was always exposed to multiple languages, different sounds, and diverse emotional landscapes. Music became the perfect medium for me to blend these influences. My music is about capturing the essence of feeling connected to many places at once.
In every song, there’s a little piece of each culture I’ve encountered, whether it’s a traditional Arabic scale, a jazz improvisation, or a French lyric that evokes nostalgia. This mix of styles and languages allows me to explore universal emotions while honouring my roots. It’s a way for me to feel “home” everywhere I go.
Dubai is known for its cosmopolitan environment with people from all over the world. How has living here shaped your music and artistic expression?
Dubai has been a major influence on my music. The city’s diversity has allowed me to interact with so many different cultural perspectives, which feeds into my creative process. I’ve always been drawn to the way different cultures communicate, both through language and art. In Dubai, I see people from all walks of life come together, and there’s this shared space where everyone can learn and grow from each other.
This dynamic environment has encouraged me to keep experimenting with my music and to not limit myself to one genre. It’s a place where people are open to exploring new things, which, as an artist, is incredibly empowering. So, whether I’m performing for a local audience or someone from the other side of the world, I know that the music I create is a bridge connecting us all.
Your songs often touch on themes of nostalgia, identity, and belonging. How do these themes resonate with audiences who might be living away from home or experiencing similar feelings of displacement?
Nostalgia and identity are central to my music because they reflect the universal longing we all feel for home and connection, no matter where we are. For those who are far from their roots, it’s easy to feel disconnected, especially in a world that’s so rapidly changing. Music, for me, is a way to reconnect — to our memories, our histories, and even to each other.
In my songs, I aim to express what it feels like to be torn between different places, different people, and different parts of yourself. Whether it’s through a lyric in Arabic, a melody in French, or an instrumental jazz solo, I want my listeners to recognize something in themselves. My music is an invitation to embrace that feeling of duality and celebrate it. For people living away from home, it’s a reminder that you’re not alone in your experience. Everyone has their own version of home, and I try to capture that feeling through my art.
Your live performances are known for being intimate and emotionally charged. What’s your approach to connecting with the audience on stage, and how do you prepare for a performance?
For me, every performance is a moment of shared energy between myself and the audience. Before I step on stage, I do my best to clear my mind and stay present. It’s not about technical perfection, it’s about the emotional connection. Music is a language of the heart, and I try to tune into that frequency. When I perform, I want the audience to feel the emotions that are woven into the songs, whether it’s joy, sorrow, or a sense of nostalgia.
Preparation for a performance goes beyond the rehearsals. It’s also about emotional alignment. I remind myself that the stage is a safe space for everyone to experience whatever emotions the music evokes. Every time I perform, I’m reminded of how powerful the collective experience can be.
As a musician who blends various cultural influences, do you feel that the concept of genre is becoming less important today, or is there still a place for it?
I think the concept of genre has evolved. It used to be a way to categorize and define music, but today it’s more about what an artist feels and wants to express. I believe music is about breaking boundaries and finding new ways to communicate, rather than being confined to a certain label. That’s why I don’t focus too much on genre. I want my music to be an emotional experience that speaks to listeners from all walks of life.
With the rise of digital platforms, people are more exposed to different kinds of music than ever before, which is exciting. So, while genres still exist, I feel like they’re becoming more fluid. It’s about bringing people together through what you create, not what label you put on it.
You’ve been described as an artist who reinterprets classics. How do you approach the process of reinventing timeless songs, and why do you choose to revisit them?
Reinterpreting classics is about finding a way to honor the original while also making it feel new. These songs have stood the test of time for a reason, they speak to something universal. But, I believe every generation should add its own voice to them. For me, it’s about adding layers of emotional depth through new arrangements or shifting perspectives. It’s not about changing the essence of the song, but rather finding new ways to make it relevant today.
I choose classics that I feel a deep connection to. There’s something magical about them that speaks to my soul. Reimagining them gives me the freedom to breathe new life into them while maintaining the integrity of what made them special in the first place.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of your music? Are there any new projects or collaborations we can expect to see from you soon?
I’m always exploring new sounds, ideas, and collaborations. I’m currently working on new music that reflects my growth as an artist and a person. Expect more of the fusion that people have come to love, but I’m also pushing the boundaries in some exciting new ways. There’s a sense of transformation in my upcoming projects, both musically and personally.
I’m also hoping to collaborate with other artists who share a similar vision of breaking down cultural barriers and creating something that’s both timeless and contemporary. The future of my music will always be about connection, healing, and celebrating diversity. I’m excited for what’s ahead.
