Ep 23 90MIN SPECIAL FEATURE ft Moroccan/Yemeni singer AŸA

The Human Challenge

AŸA's story is one unlike any other.

As a Moroccan/Yemeni "Arab&B" artist growing up in Israel-Palestine, AŸA, who describes her childhood like "being a nomad", faced family trauma, abuse, mandatory military service, and assault, all before the age of 20, when finally, she found herself the runner-up of a music competition.

In a true moment of synchronicity, after headlining a show for a shelter who once supported her, she was offered an opportunity in Berlin -- and has not look backed since!

She shares how she found inner peace in Berlin, flourished as an artist, and continues to heal, including how, having served her mandatory time on the Israeli army as a singer to entertain the soldiers, the recent aggression since Oct 7th has allowed her to heal her own family trauma as she slowly learns of her own Palestinian roots. Being in the middle of both offers a balanced perspective; she believes healing on both sides is crucial for peace.

Vanessa is honoured to hold space with AŸA in this 90min special feature episode, learning in this authentic discussion how AŸA still copes with the long-term ramifications of abuse; how she finds peace with family friction; and how her artistry is influenced by her unfolding culture -- and of course how this all relates to her new single, "Greenlight".

Don't miss her upcoming PIANO + STRINGS show in Berlin on Feb 8th and 9th! RSVP at https://framed.berlin/events/framed-80-aya-einat-dan/

And her new single "Greenlight" drops Feb 9th on all major platforms!

The Human Challenge was an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" in 2023.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com; and AŸA at @aya.loveyou on Instagram or https://www.ayasmusic.com/

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

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