Meet Rawan Chaya

We recently connected with Rawan Chaya and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rawan, I’m really looking forward to diving into some important topics with you today. One of the first topics we’d like to explore is the experience of being the only person in the room who looks like you, especially in terms of being a person of color. Could you share with us how you’ve navigated and found success in such situations?

As a young Arab-American girl, I rarely saw representation of individuals like myself in the music industry, which inspired me to use my artistry to represent and empower other Arab-American girls like myself. I’ve learned to draw strength from my culture and identity, recognizing that diversity brings unique perspectives to the table. I know that embracing my background enables me to provide a valuable perspective.

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has also taught me the importance of resilience. I’ve developed the ability to navigate challenging situations, overcome obstacles, and thrive in challenging situations.

Let’s take a small detour – could you share a bit about yourself? It would be great to learn more about you before we delve into the other questions we have for you.

I’m a singer, songwriter, and producer known for mixing different musical styles, especially pulling from my Arabian roots. Last year, I was scouted by Sephora and signed as a Sephora Sounds artist which has been an incredible journey for me, especially as I enjoy self expression through makeup. As a Lebanese-American, my musical taste and style have been influenced by my growing up in both countries and connecting these two sides of the world.

For a while, I struggled with the idea that artists had to fit into a single genre, which clashed with my diverse musical interests. I learned to draw inspiration from the world around me by immersing myself in a wide range of music. Seeing successful artists like Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Madonna, and Daft Punk thrive without sticking to one genre was not only inspiring but also incredibly reassuring. However, I also recognize that some artists excel with a niche, and that’s perfectly fine too.

I’ve been producing my music and am so excited to share the new tracks I’ve been working on in the studio. This year, I’m also gearing up to host several shows and produce more music videos that truly reflect who I am and give my friends and fans a more personal look inside my artistry.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Consistency, resilience, and adaptability.

Staying consistent is key to achieving your goals and establishing a solid foundation. To maintain consistency, resilience is essential, especially in the music industry where not everyone will see or understand your vision, and that’s alright. Accepting that not everyone will be your fan is a part of the journey. Embracing rejection and not letting it shape your identity is crucial. The entertainment industry is full of surprises, so being adaptable and going with the flow is vital for success. Embracing unexpected changes will ultimately help you flourish.

Are there any specific collaborations you are interested in pursuing?
Collaborating with fellow creatives is important to me because it cultivates a distinct sound and is a source of inspiration. I’m open to collaborations of all kinds and recently have been connecting more with Arab creatives who share my interest in blending Eastern and Western musical styles. It’s been a challenge to find like minded creatives from a similar background, so when I do meet those musicians, videographers, directors, stylists, I value their relationships.

How can folks who want to work with you connect? 

My music is on all streaming platforms. Like and follow my Artist page for more, under “Rawan Chaya”. You can keep up with my latest updates on Instagram or TikTok @rawanchaya with new music coming very soon!

Contact Info:

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