S Poddar
In a memorable headline performance at Glastonbury 2024, Coldplay welcomed Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna to the stage, creating a historic moment for the festival.
On June 29, Coldplay, fronted by Chris Martin, took to the Pyramid Stage for their record-breaking fifth headline slot, making them the most frequent headliners in Glastonbury’s history. They were joined by several special guests, including Little Simz, Laura Mvula, and Michael J. Fox. However, Elyanna’s collaboration stood out, captivating the audience with her unique blend of Arabic and Latin music.
Elyanna performed Coldplay’s 2019 song “Arabesque” with Femi Kuti, as well as the new track “We Pray,” a collaboration featuring Little Simz and Burna Boy. The 22-year-old singer, who began her career at 15, has a rich cultural background, with a Palestinian poet father and a Chilean pianist mother. She moved to San Diego in 2017 to pursue music and gained recognition through Instagram covers, eventually catching the attention of Grammy-winner Nasri Atweh.
Elyanna, who recently sold out a show at London’s KOKO, is signed to Universal Arabic Music. She made history as the first artist to sing in Arabic on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she performed wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh. In 2023, she released “Olive Branch,” a song dedicated to Palestine, expressing her emotional struggle and prayers for her homeland.
Towards the end of their set, Chris Martin spoke about unity, highlighting the diverse and peaceful gathering of the audience. He expressed gratitude for the restored faith in humanity, emphasizing the power of togetherness despite the world’s divisions.
“Thank you for inspiring us and proving that unity is possible. We hope to send this beacon of togetherness out into the world,” Martin said, closing the night on a hopeful note.
