Lebanese-Canadian singer Maya Waked has unveiled her personal playlist, offering a glimpse into the songs that shaped her musical identity—between Beirut roots and global influences.
“Music has always been a bridge between my roots and my journey,” Maya says. “Even though I explore many genres, my personal playlist remains deeply rooted in the works of Fairouz and Ziad Rahbani. Their songs carry the stories of my heritage.”
Here are the tracks that define her sound:
Lebanese roots: Fairouz and Ziad Rahbani
At the top of Maya’s list is ‘Kifak Inta’, a Fairouz classic composed by Ziad Rahbani. Modern in style and written in a dialect close to everyday speech, it marked a turning point in Fairouz’s career.
“To me, this song perfectly illustrates the artistic courage and risk-taking that define both Ziad Rahbani and Fairouz,” Maya says.
She also highlights ‘Mich Ossa Hai’, a song that reveals Fairouz in a more mature, subtly sarcastic register.
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Another favorite is ‘Ya Dara Douri Fina’, a song with deep personal meaning for Maya.
“This one was dear to my late father,” she says. “He used to repeat its lyrics on birthdays and annual occasions.”
🎧 https://youtu.be/4JGu1RyMQyI?si=_VGrGWBJ_X7Syq_0
Songs like ‘Nassam Alayna El Hawa’ and ‘Hkili Hkili’ also remain close to her heart—especially in moments of expatriation and longing for home.
🎧 https://youtu.be/MN50w0iPS2o?si=Siew62ZhbLyy0QM
🎧 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKKwgFwfvyI&list=RDQKKwgFwfvyI&start_radio=1
Finally, Maya often returns to ‘Bizakker Bil Kharif’, Fairouz’s Lebanese adaptation of Autumn Leaves, arranged by Ziad Rahbani.
🎧 https://youtu.be/cRVgoacwqIE?si=IOdj8hV7YnVb_NQ8
Khaleeji influence
Maya also embraces Khaleeji music, especially ‘Hala Hala’ by Hussain Al Jassmi.
“This song reminds me of the warmth and sense of belonging I feel in the UAE,” she says.
🎧 https://youtu.be/F2b2-1HBfk0?si=vGq9nIYBzd_STaRd
International favourites
The playlist extends beyond the region with resilience-driven hits like ‘I’m Alive’ by Celine Dion, ‘I’m Still Standing’ by Elton John, and ‘Flowers’ by Miley Cyrus.
🎧 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJsa6-y4sDs&list=RDNJsa6-y4sDs&start_radio=1
🎧 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHwVBirqD2s&list=RDZHwVBirqD2s&start_radio=1
🎧 https://youtu.be/G7KNmW9a75Y?si=Js7S4CsSCIccWZT7
Known for blending Lebanese heritage with modern influences like jazz improvisation and Bossa Nova, Maya Waked continues to build a sound that reflects both memory and movement—one playlist at a time.
