“It was magical and it happened so quickly,” says Mayssa Karaa. “The whole time, I felt like I knew him, like we had played together before. » It is with these words that came out spontaneously that the Lebanese-American singer tells The Orient-The Day his performance alongside Andrea Bocelli during the New Year’s Eve concert at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. According to the testimonies of numerous spectators who reacted on social networks, the evening was worthy of the great world stages, with an exceptional performance from this unique duo. Mayssa Karaa, the first artist to sing in Arabic with Bocelli, dazzled by performing a version of The Prayer which she arranged herself in her native language.
Mayssa Karaa and Andréa Bocelli, an unpublished duet. Photo Priscilla Selhorst
In front of a captivated audience, Mayssa Karaa mixed English, Italian and Arabic in a repertoire that also included Can’t help falling in love et Song of the Earth. “It was magical,” repeats the singer. For this young artist, who claims her cultural heritage while exploring various genres, sharing the stage with Bocelli represents an accomplishment: “It was beyond my expectations. As a Middle Eastern artist, singing in Arabic with him on one of my favorite songs was a dream come true. » Despite his status as a world legend, Andrea Bocelli impressed with his humility and kindness. “The meeting was wonderful, he is extremely kind and humble. During rehearsals, after the first two songs, he told me: “No need to continue, I have confidence in you”. » On stage, he did not hesitate to encourage Mayssa, whispering to her words such as: “Very good, it’s magnificent. »
Born in Beirut in 1989 and graduated from Berklee College of Music, Mayssa Karaa has distinguished herself with her daring interpretations, integrating Arab influences into pop and rock classics. His covers of White rabbit or Comfortably numb are perfect examples. With this remarkable performance, she confirms her role as a bridge between cultures. “The interaction with the audience was wonderful. They were touched by the presence of an artist from the region,” she says.
Building on this success, Mayssa Karaa is preparing to start 2025 with new projects. “Inshallah soon in Lebanon. I’m going to release a new single that I shot in the Land of Cedar. For the next few months, I will be in my native country,” she says enthusiastically.
An event which is reminiscent of the fact that music remains a universal language, capable of transcending borders and creating moments to be marked with a white stone…
“It was magical and it happened so quickly,” says Mayssa Karaa. “The whole time, I felt like I knew him, like we had played together before. » It is with these words that came out spontaneously that the Lebanese-American singer tells L’Orient-Le Jour about her performance alongside Andrea Bocelli during the New Year’s Eve concert at the Emirates Palace…
