After the recent announcement of the first participant for Eurovision 2025. The introduction of Cyprus entrant Theo Evan, sparked my curiosity to explore new music beyond North and Eastern Europe. Therefore, today, I am thrilled to showcase the exceptional talent of pop sensation Bana, an established artist from Kurdistan. With her music available in both her native language and English. I am furthermore delighted to highlight her latest English-language release, “Bag of Hearts.”
I don’t have much knowledge on the current trends in Kurdish pop music. Yet I believe that it’s heavily influenced by traditional Kurdish music and culture. Recently, I stumbled upon an English-spoken release by Bana that seamlessly blends Kurdish pop roots with Western pop elements. The fusion creates a sound reminiscent of a mix between Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado, offering a unique and captivating musical experience. Plus it’s definitely worth checking out!
In the song “Bag of Hearts,” Bana cleverly narrates the story of a charming con artist who captivates people’s hearts and then goes after them relentlessly. This character, akin to a modern-day lothario, employs the art of seduction to gain leverage and control. Despite this, Bana’s lyrical portrayal reveals a sense of enjoyment and mastery, illustrating that she holds the upper hand in this intriguing and dynamic situation.
Speaking about the release, Bana says: “The song “Bag of Hearts” expresses the side of me that I have kept hidden for years. I have never sung with such passion in any of my songs before.”
Bana’s talent goes beyond just her music. Her music videos, like the one directed by Lauren Luxenberg for “Bag of Hearts,” showcase her striking presence and love for high fashion while exuding a bold pop star attitude. As she works on her debut Kurdish album and upcoming English tracks, she aims to convey her true essence through her music.
“I want to make a difference in my country and to be an example for young Kurdish girls,” she declares. “Whatever their dream is, I want to be an example. I exist and you can too.” she comments.
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