Dubai, UAE – January 7, 2026 : Lebanese-Canadian singer Maya Waked has unveiled her personal playlist, featuring her favorite tracks that highlight the profound influence of regional and international artists on her musical career.

Her curated selection includes timeless classics that resonate with Arab hearts worldwide, including ‘Kifak Inta’ by Lebanese singer Fairouz, ‘Hala Hala’ by Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi, ‘I’m Alive’ by Canadian singer Celine Dion, ‘I’m Still Standing’ by British singer Elton John, and more songs that have played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic journey.

“Music has always been a bridge between my roots and my journey. Although I try to listen to a wide range of genres and stay up to date with new releases, especially in Arabic, my personal playlist remains deeply rooted in the works of Fairouz and Ziad Rahbani. Their influence has shaped not just my sound, but my identity as an artist. Their songs carry the stories of my heritage, and it’s an honor to share them with the world,” said Maya Waked.

Lebanese roots
At the top of her list is ‘Kifak Inta’ by Fairouz, composed by Ziad Rahbani. This song represents a major turning point in Fairouz’s career. Ziad Rahbani reportedly spent four years convincing his mother to release it, as it stood in sharp contrast to her earlier repertoire. Modern in style and written in a dialect close to everyday speech, ‘Kifak Inta’ marked a new milestone. It introduced a new Fairouz—an independent woman who speaks the language of ordinary people and shares their concerns. Musically, it announced a new era and a new wave. Thanks to this song, younger generations rediscovered and fell in love with Fairouz. “To me, this song perfectly illustrates the artistic courage and risk-taking that define both Ziad Rahbani and Fairouz,” Maya commented.

Listen to Kifak Inta: https://youtu.be/OlaplAypc2w?si=ME_uaTzS-RPeXw6y

Also on her playlist is ‘Mich Ossa Hai’. This song unveils yet another side of Fairouz—one who has moved beyond romantic idealism to express a mature, disenchanted, and subtly sarcastic voice, rich in self-irony.

Listen to Mich Ossa Hai: https://youtu.be/OyhagQ49BiM?si=-v15_qaUj_gqSxrw

A more conventional song Maya always returned to is ‘Ya Dara Douri Fina’, composed by Filimon Wehbé with lyrics by the Rahbani Brothers. “This song holds a special emotional value for me, as the lyrics were dear to my late father. He used to repeat them on birthdays and annual occasions ‘Come, let us run away from time, let everyone else grow older while we remain young, let us tell them we forgot to grow old’,” she continued.

Listen to Ya Dara Douri Fina: https://youtu.be/4JGu1RyMQyI?si=_VGrGWBJ_X7Syq_0

Another deeply nostalgic song for Maya—especially while experiencing expatriation and living far from home—is ‘Nassam Alayna El Hawa.’ “I was recently discussing this song with a fellow musician, and we both agreed that it evokes a joyful, tender nostalgia. Its universality is striking. While many Lebanese listeners feel a strong sense of ownership over it, the lyrics never explicitly mention Lebanon. Yet it can remind anyone of home,” Maya said.

Listen to Nassam Alayna el Hawa: https://youtu.be/MN50w0iPS2o?si=Siew62ZhbLyy0QM_

The same applies to songs like ‘Hkili Hkili.’ For Maya, this is part of the Rahbani Brothers’ genius—their most patriotic and nostalgic songs remain universal, resonating with listeners across the Arab world and beyond.

Listen to Hkili Hkili: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKKwgFwfvyI&list=RDQKKwgFwfvyI&start_radio=1

Maya’s playlist almost daily ends up playing ‘Bizakker Bil Kharif’, the Lebanese adaptation of Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes), lyrics and arrangement by Ziad Rahbani. “With this version, Ziad proved his ability to reinterpret a jazz standard famously performed by artists like Frank Sinatra, while Fairouz’s extraordinary voice transforms it into what feels like an entirely new, original song—delivered with an exquisite performance that touches deeply,” She commented.

Listen to Bizakker Bil Kharif: https://youtu.be/cRVgoacwqIE?si=IOdj8hV7YnVb_NQ8

Khaleeji influences
Maya’s playlist embraces Khaleeji music as well, with a standout track being ‘Hala Hala’ by Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi. “This song reminds me of the warmth and sense of belonging I feel in the UAE,” she shared.

Listen to Hala Hala: https://youtu.be/F2b2-1HBfk0?si=vGq9nIYBzd_STaRd

International favourites
Maya’s playlist also features songs that transcend regional boundaries, such as ‘I’m Alive’ by Celine Dion and ‘I’m Still Standing’ by Elton John. “These tracks celebrate life and resilience, themes that resonate deeply with me. Recently, ‘Flowers’ by Miley Cyrus has also become a favorite, a global success that speaks to empowerment,” Maya said.

Listen to I’m Alive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJsa6-y4sDs&list=RDNJsa6-y4sDs&start_radio=1
Listen to I’m Still Standing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHwVBirqD2s&list=RDZHwVBirqD2s&start_radio=1
Listen to Flowers: https://youtu.be/G7KNmW9a75Y?si=Js7S4CsSCIccWZT7

Maya Waked has become renowned for blending her deep Lebanese heritage with modern influences, seamlessly incorporating Bossa Nova and jazz improvisations into her sound. She first gained recognition as a backing vocalist for the iconic Lebanese singer Fairouz, later collaborating with the late Ziad Rahbani, solidifying her presence in the contemporary music scene. Throughout her career, Maya has embraced an unconventional approach, consistently pushing the boundaries of genre and sound to create something uniquely her own.

Maya’s performances are powerful emotional journeys that connect audiences to her stories of identity, love, and longing. Her shows at iconic venues like Place des Arts in Montreal and Alexanderplatz in Rome have deeply resonated with diverse audiences. Drawing from her rich multicultural experiences, Maya’s music blends Lebanese and Western influences, seamlessly bringing them together in her recent concert to create a unique, unified sound.

Maya has recently graced the stage at Zabeel Theatre in Dubai, delivering a captivating celebration of multiculturalism and musical innovation. The audience was treated to timeless classics alongside powerful original compositions, each showcasing her profound emotional connection through music. The concert also featured some of her most beloved tracks, including Bi Beirut and Shou Ada Ma Bada by Ziad Rahbani.

Maya was born in Beirut in a family deeply passionate about Feyrouz and Rahbani operettas. Music was a way of life, songs were memorized, concerts never missed, and singing served as comfort through years of war.

Her musical career started alongside her expatriation. During her time in Canada, she worked as a radio producer and host, connecting with a large Arabic immigrant audience. Her show Allo Beirut in Iconic Place des Arts Montreal resonated strongly with the Lebanese diaspora.