Songs of the Bermuda Triangle : Interview with YARA

In the north of the Atlantic Ocean, there’s a famous area known as the Bermuda Triangle, where cases of an arsenal of ships pass through and are mysteriously consumed. Co-incidentally, there is a tenacious yet alluring persona who radiates a perfect balance between charisma, beauty and fierceness. Topped with a spellbinding voice that is made to encapsulate the attention and  hearts of millions at large, the Bermuda Triangle is the one and only Yara. When music pierces through the listener’s soul, it epitomizes the singer’s very being. 

In this issue of the Victor Magazine, we had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most famous Arab singers of our time. Yara’s songs have been played on repeat, numerous times across various entertainment outlets and music streaming platforms. Born in Deir el Ahmar, Lebanon, and masters almost all of the different (and difficult) Arab accents and dialects. Yara is simply a synonym, to an angelic voice, a true star and a warm person. She has got this magical mix in her; the amazing talent that speaks for itself, a special and beautiful image that she has successfully maintained over the years and most of all, a famous personality who has wisely and positively used her fame for the right purposes. 

Interviewing her was a pleasant experience to our team as she indeed responds to each question from the heart … Her interview was more of an inspiration than a simple Q&A. Our valued readers, without further ado, we give you … Yara!

INTERVIEW

1. Which social media platform do you prefer? You are most responsive and active on Twitter – is there a specific reason?

Twitter enabled me to be closer to my fans. Communicating with them on Twitter is easier, in comparison to other social media platforms that concentrate more on photos and videos. I like to talk and chat directly with my fans. I like to create a day-to-day dialogue with them, ask about themselves, how their day was, how did their exams go and things like that.  These conversation starters are easier on Twitter in my opinion. I do like other social media platforms,  but I am more active on Twitter.

1. Other than acting in video clips, have you ever considered acting? If you would consider acting, do you prefer cinema or TV?

I have received numerous offers to act and while I am open and willing to take this path, it is necessary for me to pick a role and a project that fits my personality and image. It could be something like a musical or a comic.  

1. How did you master all of these Arabic accents? 

I have sung in many Arabic accents like Algerian, Moroccan, Khalleji accents, Egyptian and of course Lebanese. I enjoy singing the accent of the country I am in. I remember singing an Algerian song called “Ya Rayeh Wein Msafer” in an Algerian wedding and it was a big success. I love the accent that I consider using and that’s how I master it. I practise by listening to an accent through friends or fans or the team I am working with. I don’t need much time to master an accent. I think it is a gift that I have.

1. Tell us about your new project – what is it about and when are you releasing it?

My new album “Maleit” is a mix of Lebanese and Egyptian. It’s an  album containing eight songs – seven of which have already been released and the eighth one will be released during the first week of July 2022 (within days of this issue) 

1. From your perspective, how do you describe the art scene in the Arab World ten years from now – in terms of content quality, boldness, and diversity?

There are a lot of beautiful new talents that do not get enough attention and while it pleases me a lot to hear beautiful Arab voices, I hope there will be more inclusivity for these hidden talents. I have to say that the current set-up on social media, allows untalented voices to emerge, and this requires some sort of governance or algorithm to shed more light on real talents in comparison to those who lack it. 

As I speak of social media and talents, I have to say that there are a lot of people who do not have sufficient qualities or experience to criticise talent,  yet they still  do, and it’s very negative and unhelpful. In my opinion, if I do not like something, I simply don’t comment on it and pass on to something I like. There’s no need to dispense negative comments or content on social media even if that is someone else’s opinion. If you have something good to say, say it and if you don’t … see or hear something else. I even avoid reading negative news about accidents or wars and I do not allow any negative or impolite comments on my social media accounts.  I do not engage with those. I simply try to block any negativity in my surroundings. It’s beautiful to be positive both; online and offline. 

1. Do you think there’s enough diversity in the art scene in the Arab World? If not, why do you think so?

A true artist will be able to present diversity in their work, however, an artist should also have a distinguished identity while being diverse – this is the trick for success. Personally, I find myself being able to present a lot to my audience and I try to do that while maintaining my identity and image. Take it as a rule, a good song will indeed succeed; for example, Arab bands who present new colours of music, this is necessary and essential. I support the audience’s right to experience different types of art.

1. Tell us why have you picked Dubai as your place of residence?

I have actually lived in Dubai since I was a child. I really find more of myself in this city and I love it so much. I have a lot of memories in Dubai and always loved living here.  It happened, and I have gladly been living in Dubai for three years now.

1. What’s the secret behind your passion for football and FC Barcelona?

Sports are positive and watching sports give positive vibes. Believe it or not, when I was a child, I didn’t enjoy watching football as much as I do today … It was my brother who enjoyed it. Eventually, I started to get interested and with time I became excited too. Some people find it strange that a girl gets excited about football, but I see it as normal … It’s sports. I specifically love FC Barcelona and follow all of its news and updates. 

I have started to have an interest in tennis … It’s been paving its way for two years now for me and I am getting more and more interested in this sport especially when the football season is off.

1. If there’s advice you would like to give to the Arab audience, especially those following you on SM, what would it be?

Be positive. Do not concentrate or comment on negative things. If you see something negative or you do not like it, then leave it. Only say good things. Do not just speak because you can understand that you have a responsibility for the content you post online. Unfortunately, sometimes, journalism sheds more light on negative comments on social media and instead of ignoring those (as they truly deserve), they magnify them and give them more weight and importance … That’s not good. 

As a UNICEF ambassador, I believe that the root solution to this problem is ensuring that the highest percent of children population gets access to education because lack of basic culture and education result in the unfortunate content and comments that we see on social media.

1. What would you say to the Victor Magazine readers and to your fans in Dubai?

I am happy to be on Victor Magazine and happy to do this interview, and I always like to express positive and happy vibes through Victor Magazine’s platform. I would also like to thank my fans, especially YaraLovers on social media for their love and support. Thanks to the Victor Magazine team for the effort put on the cover shoot, the interview and all the details. It is my pleasure to be with you.