Credit: Donia El-Hendi
In the bustling landscape of the music industry, where voices vie for attention and melodies intertwine, there exists a unique resonance that emanates from the artistry of Donia El- Hendi. A Palestinian Canadian singer and songwriter based in the UAE, she has carved out a niche for herself, weaving tales of life, love, and cultural identity through the threads of melody and rhythm.
From a young age, Donía’s affinity for music was unmistakable. “During life’s inevitable ups and downs, it was difficult for me to express myself through conversation,” she recalled. “Music and songs always found a way to put my exact feelings into lyrics and melodies, and that’s when I knew I wanted to become a singer.” Encouraged by her music teacher, Ms. Boba, El- Hendi embarked on a journey of self-discovery, finding solace and self-expression in the harmonies that echoed within her soul.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences, Donia’s sound is a tapestry woven from threads of nostalgia, culture, and personal experience. “I listened to so many different artists growing up,” she reflected. “From the Bee Gees to Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Eminem, Umm Kalthoum, Fairuz, Elissa, and so many more.” It’s this eclectic mix of musical flavours that infuses her compositions with a richness born of diverse inspiration.
Among the rich diversity of songs that have left an indelible mark on her as an artist, one stands out as a beacon of inspiration: “Immortality” by Celine Dion and the Bee Gees. “Without a doubt,” she revealed. “The harmonies, Celine’s incredible vocal range and control, the blend of melodies and lyrics—it evoked emotions I couldn’t fully comprehend as a child. That pivotal moment is when I realised that music is magical, and I wanted it to be an integral part of my life forever.”
Since then, Donia began developing her musical talent, exploring new avenues to strengthen her skills and push herself as an artist. As part of her journey, she takes a wise stance on any feedback she receives, considering it as an opportunity for growth instead of criticism.
“Continuously striving for excellence in each performance and musical project is extremely important to me. I dedicate a lot of time to practicing and exploring different sounds and studying performances to expand my knowledge [and] try to approach every performance or project with authenticity and passion,” El- Hendi said.
Donia’s dedication to her craft led to numerous opportunities, including a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of the viral ‘Stand by Me’ video for Music Travel Love. With over 25 million views and had climbing since its release, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the universal language of music.
When asked about the experience, her reaction is immediate: “Shocked, proud, lucky, excited!” What an honour to have been part of such a huge project, a very pinch-me moment.”
Donia also observed that it was also very impactful in showcasing the rich, deep importance and connection the Arab World has and has had towards music.
“It normalised and humanised us in a time where the Middle East is not necessarily shown in the most positive light,” she said, adding: “I am genuinely happy that this project showcased the beauty of Abu Dhabi, our culture and appreciation for music, as well as the diversity within the Arab talent that exists in the region.”
That’s a theme that Donia embraces as an artist as she finds herself exploring themes that resonate with her values and beliefs. “In my music, I’m increasingly drawn to exploring new themes related to hope, resilience, representation, women empowerment and cultural pride,” she said. Recognising the importance of diverse representation in music, she also revealed her aim to rewrite the often biased and dismissive narrative of Arab women through her art. For El- Hendi, creating music that resonates with a wide audience is paramount, as it allows her to connect with people from all walks of life and foster a sense of unity and understanding.
It’s another factor she considers seriously when it comes to selecting potential collaborations: “Several artists come to mind, such as Not So Human, Elijah Semine, and Preston on Keys. They are all incredibly skilled at what they do, and I think a collaboration with each of them would be very special.”
Forging connections through her work is something that resonates deeply with the evocative artist, who when asked about one of the most memorable experiences in her journey so far, described a distinctive performance at Sofar Sounds Dubai, which bills itself as ‘a global community coming together to create intimate live music shows in unique, secret settings’.
“Performing for Sofar DXB was an incredible moment for me, as I performed my original music live for the first time. The overall vibe of the crowd was palpable, and I could feel both our energies intertwine. It was beyond beautiful to share vulnerable and personal lyrics with an audience,” she said.
El- Hendi sees her role as more than just entertaining; it’s about using her platform to address pressing societal issues: “Music, often underestimated, is very impactful and has the power to inspire change and build bridges between different communities. Music can often evoke empathy and spark conversation more constructively. I use my writing skills, not only as an outlet for myself but as a tool to reassure others that they aren’t alone.”
Drawing inspiration from her personal experiences, she delves into social issues that hold significant meaning for her. For Donia, music serves as both a powerful tool and a beautiful medium to bridge gaps between individuals with differing views and experiences. She believes in the transformative potential of music to foster connection and empathy, transcending boundaries and sparking meaningful conversations.
“During my sets, I pay close attention to the energy of the audience and adjust my performance accordingly, whether it means dialling up the intensity for a more upbeat song or creating an intimate atmosphere with a more heartfelt one,” she explained.
Credit: Donia El-Hendi
Identifying as a soul enthusiast, she expressed her affinity for the genre, cherishing the emotional resonance of its songs. She particularly favours acoustic renditions for their ability to showcase vocals, lyrics, and instrumentation in a captivating manner. Despite the challenge of selecting a single favourite amidst life’s evolving experiences, she treasures many songs deeply.
“I’m a soul girl and many songs have special places in my heart. I particularly love acoustic versions of songs, as they beautifully highlight vocals, lyrics, and instruments. However, it’s challenging to narrow it down to one song as my experiences in life are ever-changing,” she said.
El- Hendi also draws on observations and encounters she experiences on a daily basis: “In fact, all of my projects, existing and upcoming are heavily influenced by current aspects of society and everyday life. I often draw inspiration from my personal experiences, including social issues that are near and dear to my heart. I believe that music is a powerful tool and a beautiful way to connect with folks who don’t necessarily have the same views or experiences.”
Donía’s musical adaptability is further evident through her evocative performances in both English and Arabic, reflecting a profound connection to each language. While English offers a universal platform for connection, Arabic grounds her in her cultural roots and heritage, allowing her to express different facets of her identity through performance.
She further revealed that her experiences as an expat and exposure to different cultural contexts further influenced her creative expression: “Traveling and immersing myself in different cultures, and around different groups of people has opened my eyes and broadened my perspective to appreciate diversity and its beauty. This is shown in my music by incorporating different sounds, rhythms, and music styles, all while still being true to myself. Cultural appreciation is a beautiful thing.”
While Donia is dedicated to her musical endeavours, she recognises the intricate balance required to navigate the various dimensions of her personal and professional life. “Managing a full-time 8-5 corporate job, performing three days a week, and attending to my home and family is challenging but not impossible,” she reflected. “These responsibilities fuel and empower me, enriching my experiences, which I then infuse into my music. The greater the diversity in my experiences, the more inspiration I find as an artist when crafting music.”
When it comes to leveraging digital tools and platforms in her creative journey, she revealed that she adopts a strategic approach. “I use software for recording and editing to experiment with different sounds and arrangements,” she explained. “But I rely on a credible sound engineer to bring my final vision to life.”
Donia also shared her experience with leveraging different streaming platforms to showcase her music, highlighting a particular fondness for Spotify for its user-friendly interface and extensive reach.
“My music is available on all streaming platforms, but Spotify is my favourite of all. Beatstars and YouTube offer a wide range of vibes and beats to choose from, which is very helpful for artists who don’t have a large network or who do not know how to produce,” she explained.
However, amidst the advantages of these digital tools, Donia acknowledged the challenges they pose, especially in the realm of social media engagement. “While Instagram is my main social media network, I also have a TikTok and YouTube channel that could probably use more attention,” she said. “The challenge lies in the creative effort and time required to consistently create fresh and engaging content for my listeners and followers.”
Given everything that she’s gone through so far, Donia remains steadfast when it comes to the motto that’s helped guide her: “Stay true to yourself, do things from the heart, and give yourself the same grace you so easily give to others.” This mantra inspires her to navigate obstacles authentically and create music that resonates deeply with both herself and others.
Donia also revealed some advice she’d encountered along the way: “The most impactful piece of advice I received was to always stay true to myself and my values,” she emphasises. “Not comparing my artistry or journey to others has allowed me to develop a unique sound that resonates with my listeners and to appreciate and celebrate each milestone as it comes.”
In contrast, El- Hendi found the advice to conform to a specific style or genre for monetary gain to be the least helpful since the pursuit of followers, money, and clout holds little value if it compromises one’s integrity and authenticity. “Integrity is important,” she firmly asserted, underlining the significance of maintaining true to oneself despite external pressures.
For now, the multi-talented singer is focused on several ongoing projects that include an EP, which is a musical release that is longer than a single, but shorter than a full-length album.
“I am currently working on visuals for an EP that I cannot wait to share with the world. [It is] a true reflection of my identity, encompassing the places I’ve lived, the heritage I hold, the languages I speak, and the sounds that I love. It is truly an extremely personal and authentic [reflection of] who I am as a person. I hope this EP serves as a stepping stone towards achieving my five-year plan,” she said excitedly. That ambitious plan also includes at least one complete album and an international tour.
As she stands at the crossroads of past and future, Donia’s gaze is fixed on the horizon, her heart set on the melodies yet to be sung and the stories yet to be told: “In the next five years, I hope to release at least one complete album that is a true reflection of who I am. These goals constantly push me to take risks, to challenge myself creatively, and reignite the fire within.”
CREATIVITY UNDEFINED 