Every artist’s journey begins with an unshakeable belief in their dreams and potential to reach the global stage. This self-belief fuels their passion and resilience, whether they’re emerging talents or global superstars. For Esra, whose debut “Ad3i” hit a million views on YouTube, topped the Arabic charts on Apple Music, and even earned her a feature on the New York Times Square screens, this journey has been transformative.
Esra’s love for music started early. “Music has always been a part of my identity. I’ve loved singing since I was a kid, and it took time and effort to improve and reach where I am today. However, this is just the beginning,” she shares.
This wasn’t her first taste of the limelight, though. Performing covers like “Bala Wala Shi” and “Nassini El Donya,” Esra also captivated audiences before her debut song, amassing up to 6 million views on YouTube. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her voice paved the way for her transition into creating original music.
Despite her achievements, she remains grounded, introducing herself simply as “an up-and-coming artist figuring things out.”
Her musical influences are as diverse as her style. “Many songs and artists have inspired me, from legends like Dalida, Majida El Roumi, and Abdelhalim to contemporary talents like Dana Salah and Zeyne. I am deeply inspired by people, especially women from my region, who follow their dreams,” she explains.
“Ad3i” marked a new chapter for Esra. “We ventured into a new genre, ‘Khaleeji indie,’ which inspired the creation of ‘Ad3i.’ The lyrics and melody were crafted by the talented Robert Alasaad. The song tells the story of someone mourning the loss of a loved one, praying for their heart to heal and move on.”
Recording “Ad3i” was a magical experience. “From selecting the song and practicing it with my vocal coach to recording it with top producer Sleiman Damien, every step is forever engraved in my memory,” she recalls. The process felt smooth, almost as if it were meant to be. “The most challenging part was trusting that my voice could hit the notes, as I can be quite hard on myself at times.”
Looking ahead, Esra is filled with hope and ambition. “My aspirations for my music career are to enjoy the journey, create more music that resonates with me, and hopefully touch the hearts and souls of others,” she says. And her fans won’t have to wait long for more music. “My second song, a summery track, will be out in July. We’ve finished recording it, and the video is in the works. I’m super excited about this one.”
Esra offers heartfelt advice for aspiring artists. “Believe in yourself and just start. Be patient and accept the lows before the highs. Build resilience and keep moving forward, even when it’s scary or difficult. Sometimes, you’ll need to be your own cheerleader. Surround yourself with good people, stay humble, and never stop trying.”
Her journey from covering songs to creating her own hit is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. With her heart set on making music that resonates deeply, her story is just beginning. And if “Ad3i” is any indication, the world will be hearing a lot more from this talented artist in the years to come.
