Alya
Alya
COVER STORY

ALYA

Emirati-British singer-songwriter and dancer honors Mum on Emirati Women's Day
AlyaSTAYING TRUE

Aliyah Al Ali, known in the local and international music circle as Alya, braved the entertainment world at the young age of 15. Now 17, she mulls at the time she took a calculated risk running head-on into the saturated entertainment business, but not without her supportive parents guiding her every step of the way—despite the dichotomy of cultures.

Alya
Alya

Alya, a singer-songwriter and dancer, understood the marriage of dance and music, in which she excels in both. Growing up around a singer mum and nana opened her eyes—and ears—to the beauty of music. "It has been a passion of mine growing up seeing my mum sing, I wanted to be like her," she says.

Alya wearing a pink dress by THAT Concept Store. Photo credits @charybaniqued

The father, a conservative yet open-minded Emirati, and a British mum, who handles and manages her career, have seen eye to eye over the years. "There were challenges in terms of perspective from both cultures but I am fully British as much as I am fully Emirati," Alya shares with Musivv.

Alya, a singer-songwriter and dancer, understood the marriage of dance and music, in which she excels in both. Growing up around a singer mum and nana opened her eyes—and ears—to the beauty of music. "It has been a passion of mine growing up seeing my mum sing, I wanted to be like her," she says.

What is it like to be managed by a parent?

Alya bursts into laughter as she candidly conveys the dynamics. An obvious connection emanates between the two while Alya sits on a yellow chair at the THAT Concept Store for an exclusive interview. "My mum is my best friend, my soul mate, we have a proper laugh together," she replies. The two bright souls gaffed at each other beaming with adoration while thinking of a song that is associated with specific words thrown randomly at the teen singer.

"My mum is my best friend, my soul mate, we have a proper laugh together,"

The two bright souls gaffed at each other beaming with adoration while thinking of a song that is associated with specific words thrown randomly at the teen singer.

Global exposure only showed her true values.

Previously signed to a major label jumpstarted her career. Meeting with international artists was an unforgettable experience. More important though, being around family keeps her feet on the ground. "I love humble people," she replies. She believes that being a "cocky" person loses the spark that people tend to gravitate to.

"I love humble people"

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