Emirati singer, dancer and actress Alya has made her official music debut with Lemonade, a single that combines contemporary pop and R&B with dance and Arabic-influenced rhythms.
The 21-year-old Dubai-born and raised artist is introducing the song as the first single from her upcoming debut EP, which is being released through gamma.
Lemonade was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Afterhrs, a creative team that has worked on projects involving artists including Teddy Swims, Maroon 5 and One Direction.
The track draws on Alya’s Emirati heritage while incorporating elements of contemporary global pop. She sings primarily in English and describes the song as an introduction to a new phase of her artistic career.
“I loved every part of bringing ‘Lemonade’ to life, from recording in Los Angeles to developing the choreography and working with incredible talent in the UAE and internationally,” Alya says.
She adds that the song reflects the direction she wants to take with her music, describing it as “fun, confident and unexpected”.
Born to an Emirati father and British mother, Alya has a background in dance and acting, which she is also bringing into her musical and visual work.
The release marks the beginning of her planned debut EP, as she seeks to introduce her music to audiences beyond the UAE.
Alya’s music combines pop, R&B and dance with influences from her UAE roots, while her performances draw on her experience as a dancer and actress.