Lebanese-Canadian singer, songwriter and genre-defying artist Maya Waked is set to take the stage at Zabeel Theatre in Dubai this November with her latest show. Renowned for her re-imaginative interpretations of classic tracks and her deeply emotive original compositions, Maya is poised to enthral audiences with a performance that pushes musical boundaries. Her eclectic setlist will weave together Lebanese songs with French and English lyrics, creating a sound that is entirely her own.
Maya Waked has built a reputation for blending her rich Lebanese heritage and modern musical sensibilities with the smooth rhythms of Bossa Nova and jazz improvisation. She first gained prominence as a backing vocalist for the legendary Lebanese icon Fairouz before working with the late Ziad Rahbani, cementing her presence in the contemporary music scene. Throughout her career, Maya has embraced an unconventional approach to music, consistently challenging traditional notions of genre and sound.
Her performances are often described as emotional journeys, connecting listeners to stories of identity, love and longing. Appearances at prestigious venues such as Place des Arts in Montreal and Alexander Platz in Rome have resonated with diverse audiences. Deeply inspired by her multicultural background, Maya’s upcoming concert will bring together Lebanese and western influences to create a shared musical experience.
Maya has always expressed a strong bond with her cultural roots and sees music as a powerful medium for storytelling. “My music speaks to those who find themselves between worlds, much like I have,” she explains. “Whether I am celebrating my Lebanese identity or expressing my journey as an immigrant, I want my music to be a home for those who feel displaced, whether physically or emotionally.”
Her work frequently centres on the theme of identity, especially in the context of the expatriate experience. “As someone who grew up outside Lebanon, I’ve always felt the need to provide a voice for those living away from home,” she shares. “My songs explore themes of belonging, love, memories, and the complexities of home, trying to capture the experience of living in a multicultural environment.”
Maya’s approach to fusing various musical traditions is both innovative and personal. “The fun part is when I allow myself to introduce an element of surprise into the music—it surprises both me and the audience,” she says. Her creative process often starts by taking global folk melodies and writing new lyrics in Lebanese, which resonate with both Arabic and non-Arabic-speaking audiences. Her fresh perspective appeals to younger listeners who are rediscovering classics, while also evoking nostalgia in those who remember the originals.
Maya Waked’s upcoming performance at Zabeel Theatre promises to be a celebration of cultural diversity and musical exploration. Audiences can look forward to timeless classics and moving original compositions that highlight her ability to forge emotional connections through music. The concert will include some of her most celebrated tracks, such as her own Bi Beirut, along with favourites like Shou Ada Ma Bada by Ziad Rahbani.
Date: November 14, 2025
Location: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai
Tickets available on https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/102046/maya-waked-from-beirut-to-dubai-at-zabeel-theatre-dubai
More about Maya Waked:
Live Performances:
• Alexander Platz Jazz Club – Rome
• Live in Dubai
• Dik Kwab El Nass – Live in Dubai
• Ana La Habibi – Live in Dubai
• Place des Arts – Montreal
• Jazz Lounge – Dubai
Listen:
• Full Discography on YouTube Music
• Min Zaman
• Bi Beirut
• Helmi Ghanilak
• Adday
• Tamara
Early Life & Influences
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.
Artistic Formation
After a short career in marketing, Maya shifted to the world of art. She joined the Conservatoire National and trained with a private vocal coach. She performed as a backing vocalist for Feyrouz between 2000 and 2005 and recorded with Ziad Rahbani.
Literary Career
In parallel with her musical journey, Maya is a published author. She released her first novel in Paris in 2007, followed by two more in Beirut in 2008, writing in both French and Arabic.
Radio & Diaspora Engagement
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.
Musical Evolution
- Released the album Helm Majnoun in 2012 with a concert debut in Montreal
- Released single Adday in 2017
- Her 2020 single Baad Bakkir about distant relationships became an ode to separation during lockdown
- In 2021, she collaborated with the Russian Balalaika Quartet on Bi Beirut, blending Lebanese lyrics with Russian folk sounds, expressing the bittersweet nostalgia of expats dreaming of returning home
Recent Work
- 2023: Performed live in Dubai and released four new singles with her own Lebanese lyrics and Russian folk music
- 2024 Performed in Rome Alexander Platz
- 2025: Released Shou Ada Ma Bada, composed by Ziad Rahbani