Celinedee Matahari fell in love with music when she was 4 years old. Since then, she has stayed in love, learning multiple instruments, writing songs, and singing in 19 languages (and counting!). At 16, she went viral, singing a ukelele rendition of “Maa Tujhe Salaam” by A. R. Rahman in front of A. R. Rahman himself! Now at 17, she has opened for the likes of Macy Gray and Jason Derulo, and performed in front of presidents and dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With so much going on, and so much yet to come, we sat down with Celinedee to get to know her story.
Take us through your childhood. Was music always a constant in your life?
Yes, music has always been a constant in my life, I was always surrounded by it! I always loved singing, dancing, and performing in front of an audience. I was inspired by my brother and my dad, who play the piano, so I asked my mom to enrol me in piano lessons as well. And then I fell in love with the ukulele from watching Grace Vanderwaal on America’s Got Talent. And I took guitar lessons because I loved singing Taylor Swift songs. Being French-Indonesian, I was exposed to a multi-cultural musical environment. My mother would listen to Indonesian songs, which are similar to Indian or even Filipino songs. And my dad would listen to French and English songs. It sparked my interest in learning songs in different languages.
At such a young age, you have already achieved so much. What would you say is your career highlight so far, or is it yet to come?
I’m very grateful for all the highlights in my journey so far. I would say that singing for A. R. Rahman outside his car and then duetting with him months later at the Etihad Arena was definitely a surreal experience, yet he was so down-to-earth and made me feel so relaxed that I felt as if we were just jamming at home. And I will never forget the extreme honour and privilege of singing for two Indonesian Presidents, as well as in front of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Qasr Al Watan Palace. It’s important to enjoy and remember those moments, but also to keep on working and improving yourself vocally and musically as you go forward, and believe that the best is still yet to come.
You’ve performed for some big crowds. How does it feel being on stage?
Being on stage feels like home. I always get excited seeing the audience and being able to sing and entertain them. My favourite part about being on stage is being able to see the audience enjoying my performance, as well as connecting with them.
You can sing in 19 languages. Do you think growing up in Dubai had a part to play in that?
Yes, most definitely! Having parents from two different cultures and being born and raised in the UAE had a huge impact on my musical journey. It was my neighbour who first invited me to sing a Malayalam song for her wedding anniversary. I feel so lucky and motivated to find myself in such a multicultural environment. A big part of the world travels through Dubai and that creates tons of opportunities. A lot of the world’s top musicians and singers now come to Dubai to perform and that’s how I’ve found my footing. On one day, I collaborated with a Peruvian singer on a reggae song, another day, I collaborated with Putri Ariani, the amazing Indonesian singer from America’s Got Talent. Last Friday, the legendary Macy Gray was on tour here, and I ended up opening for her. I believe I get these opportunities because the UAE is a multicultural environment and because it is rapidly evolving to be a top musical destination in the world.
Quick-Fire!
How old were you when you wrote your first song?
I was ten years old and it was for my dad’s 50th birthday, and the song was called “Superman”.
When it comes to songwriting, what do you focus on first, melody or lyrics?
It changes from time to time, sometimes, I’ll have a melody already in my head, then I’ll focus on writing the lyrics. Other times, the lyrics come first and then I try to make a melody.
What’s the next language you’re looking forward to learning?
I already sang a Tagalog song but I’d like to sing more for my Filipino fans. And German. I will be performing a German song in November at an Awards ceremony, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.
Any new musical instruments you’re looking to learn?
Not at the moment, but I would definitely like to perfect my piano skills.
Your top 5 songs on Spotify?
“I Wish You Would” by Taylor Swift, “If I can’t have you” by Shawn Mendes, “Sue Me” by Audrey Hobert, “White Cat” by Yves, and “Wolves” by One Direction.
Musical role models?
Taylor Swift, AR Rahman, Olivia Rodrigo, Beabadoobee, and Rose from Blackpink.
Dream stage to perform on?
Madison Square Garden!
