Miraya: Weaving Cultures, Empowering Voices, and Redefining Music

Born into a world of movement and cultural exchange, Miraya’s musical style is not a calculated fusion but an organic reflection of her life experiences. “I guess I was lucky,” she says.

“I was born and raised in the Middle East, grew up in the UK, and later moved to Canada. My dad worked for Aramco, so we were always moving around, which allowed me to explore different cultures and languages.”

This upbringing shaped her approach to music, enabling her to sing in English, Hindi, Arabic, Tamil, Malayalam, and Punjabi with an authenticity that resonates across audiences. Her hit song Yalla Yalla—a Punjabi track with an Arabic twist—marked a defining moment in her career, landing her on the BBC charts and cementing her signature style.

Miraya’s musical evolution has been enriched by collaborations with industry greats like Dr. Zeus, blending Bhangra with international sounds. However, she doesn’t see her ability to shift between genres as mastering different styles, but rather as embracing her influences naturally. “Ex nihilo nihil fit—nothing comes from nothing. My music is just a reflection of my life, and staying true to myself is what makes it work.”

Empowering Women Through Music

Her latest album, Miraya, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a celebration of feminine strength. One of the standout tracks, Fire, embodies the unyielding power of women. “It’s about a woman as a force of nature—lightning in her words, strength in her silence,” she explains. The song’s lyrics—“You cannot break me, nor will my spirit falter. Believe in me, for I am enough”—carry a defiant message of resilience.

In contrast, Midnight Confessions explores a softer, more vulnerable side of womanhood. “It’s about the feeling of a high school crush, that moment of hesitation between wanting to express your feelings and fearing the consequences,” Miraya says. The song’s introspective nature reminds her of Taylor Swift’s storytelling style—delicate, emotional, and deeply personal.

Through Miraya, she aims to portray the multifaceted nature of women—both their strength and their tenderness. She emphasizes,

“True empowerment comes from embracing every part of who we are.”

A Stage Across the World

Having performed in over 1,000 shows worldwide, Miraya has no shortage of memorable experiences. One that stands out was her performance at Dundas Square in Toronto, where she was met with an electrifying crowd. “The energy was unreal,” she recalls. “Sharing the stage with such talented artists in a city that thrives on diversity—it was unforgettable.”

However, not every performance goes as planned. A live television interview in the UK took an unexpected turn when a snake dancer entered the room. “She had a massive python around her neck and tried to put it on me! I ran out of there so fast that the TV crew ran with me,” she laughs. “Even the other artists ran when she got too close. It was hilarious in hindsight, but at that moment, I was not ready!”

The Educator and the Artist

Beyond her career as a performer, Miraya is also the founder of Miraya Academy, an institution dedicated to nurturing young talent. “My love for children and education comes from my family,” she says. “Growing up, education was a core value in our home. My mother ran a dance school, and that had a huge influence on me.”

Balancing her roles as both an artist and an educator has been a fulfilling challenge. “Both teaching and performing require passion and energy. Whether I’m on stage or in a classroom, my goal is the same—to inspire others.”

Through her academy, Miraya hopes to instill confidence in children and encourage them to embrace their individuality. “Not every child wants to be a doctor or engineer. Audentis fortuna iuvat—fortune favors the bold. If they have a passion, they should have the opportunity to pursue it.”

Music as a Voice for Mental Health

Miraya’s music isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a medium for important conversations. Her single No One Wants Me addresses mental health struggles—a subject close to her heart. “We’ve lost so many beautiful souls, like Sushant Singh Rajput, Robin Williams, and Chester Bennington,” she reflects. “I wanted to write a song that speaks to those who feel unheard, to remind them that they’re not alone.”

The song resonated deeply with her audience, with many reaching out to share their personal stories. One message in particular stayed with her—a girl who had lost her brother to suicide just two days before hearing Miraya’s song.

“That hit me hard. I could feel her pain, and it reminded me why I do what I do,” she says.

Her experience with mental health struggles is personal. “I was in a dark place when I wrote that song. Living alone in Canada, my tour canceled, losing friends to suicide—I felt lost,” she admits. Music became her way of coping, and through it, she hopes to help others find solace as well.

Between Bahrain and Canada: A Cultural Fusion

Miraya’s journey spans continents, from her childhood in Bahrain to her life in Canada. This blend of influences has shaped her artistic expression. “Being exposed to South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western cultures allowed me to create music that transcends borders,” she says.

Her career took off in the UK, where she collaborated with renowned artists and produced hits like Yalla Yalla and Lovely. The global success of these tracks—some reaching over 150 million views—solidified her place in the industry.

“Cultural fusion isn’t something I force—it’s who I am. Whether it’s Arabic lyrics in a Bollywood song or South Asian rhythms in a Western track, it just flows naturally,” she explains.

Navigating Fame and Personal Boundaries

With success comes scrutiny, something Miraya has learned to navigate. “Public perception can be overwhelming,” she admits. “India, in particular, is intense—300 people on set, media everywhere.”

While the Middle East provides a greater sense of privacy, fame still comes with challenges. “The key is setting boundaries. I disconnect when I need to, whether that’s through traveling or diving into creative projects.”

For Miraya, staying grounded is essential. “I remind myself why I started in the first place...

...Music is my passion, and as long as I stay true to that, everything else falls into place.”

Aiming for a Legacy of Sound and Strength

Like Slumdog Millionaire’s protagonist, whose journey weaves through different worlds to shape his destiny, Miraya’s path is one of resilience, artistry, and cultural harmony. Through her music, she bridges traditions, empowers voices, and sparks conversations about identity and mental health—all while remaining true to the roots that shaped her sound.

BLEND is musivv's segment featuring artists from outside the UAE and the Middle East. Features under this segment are considered as submissions for nomination under this category in the Musivv Awards’ annual recognition.

March 8, 2025

Sponsored — Stories