From watching Burlesque every weekend as a child to becoming a rising star in the MENA music scene, Lebanese artist Tiara Wehbe is redefining Arabic pop with a global soul. Her journey is a testament to the power of a lifelong dream.
A Star in the Making
“When I became a teenager, my mom would like to enroll me in workshops and competitions for acting, singing ,and modeling. But I never understood how to enter the field.”
Tiara spent her youth performing arts, from acting and singing workshops. She spent her childhood watching The Voice and X Factor.
“My inspiration growing up vocally was Christina Aguilera. I loved and admired her as a vocalist.”
Tiara reflected on how her work portrayed the content she consumed during her childhood and early youth. Today, she is no longer playing a part; she is carving out a distinct artistic identity that seamlessly blends her heritage with a modern, global sound.
A Sound Without Borders
Tiara’s musical signature is a sophisticated fusion of R&B, a genre of popular music that originated within African American communities in the 1940s, global pop, and traditional Arabic elements.
“ I was posting covers and that’s how I started. Also, I did performances around Lebanon.”
Tiara started her journey with a song called Ana Beirut released in 2021 as a tribute to the resilience of Beirut. Jad Shwery produced this track, featuring vocals by Tiara Wehbe and Juliano Hanna.
While her latest single, “Nawi Aaleih,” is a flirtatious and fun Arabic dance-pop track, it remains deeply rooted in the R&B sensibilities that define her personal style. Produced by Nasir Al Bashir and Keen, the track features punchy percussion instruments and dreamlike harmonies, layered with traditional Arabic violins to add emotional depth.
“Sonically, it feels very true to me,” Tiara shares of the new record. Therefore, this authenticity is a hallmark of her work. By experimenting with structure and language, she refused to confine herself to a single genre.
The Creative Pulse
As Tiara Wehbe is redefining Arabic pop with a global soul. The creative process often begins with the beat. She recorded numerous melodies and flows, gradually structuring them into a cohesive story. In “Nawi Aaleih,” a particularly special moment occurs at the two-minute mark. There was a “trippy” section where the drums come forward and the tempo slows.
” It’s the part I love listening to the most and it’s the sexiest part of the song,” she notes.
Tiara has graced prestigious stages, including the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, where she shared the stage with the legendary Steve Aoki. In her latest musical era, Tiara is embracing a new, confident sound, blending Arabic lyrics with contemporary styles to deliver a fresh listening experience. With a deep-rooted connection to her heritage and an ear for global trends, Tiara redefines the future of Arabic pop and beyond.
The Next Chapter of Arabic Fusion
While her current music showcases a bold and confident facade. Tiara is redefining Arabic pop with a global soul. She’s planning to reveal deeper, more emotional sides of her artistry in future releases. Tiara was driven by her own emotions and inspired by vocal powerhouses like Christina Aguilera. Moreover, She aims to create music that makes her audience feel good and confident.
Obviously she continues to make waves, already surpassing a million streams, Tiara remains a refreshingly relatable figure. With her unique sound and genuine spirit, Tiara is poised to redefine the future of Arabic pop.