Asayel on Breaking The Mold, BRED Festival and the Message of "Hena"
Weeks away from BRED Abu Dhabi, the singer-songwriter opens up about the power of music.
BRED Festival is back for its third edition in Abu Dhabi, blending streetwear, street food and killer beats from April 23-27 at Yas Marina Circuit. As the festival gears up, they dropped a new regional anthem, “Hena”, featuring The Synaptik from Jordan, Saudi Arabia‘s Asayel and Cairo‘s Karim Osama.
We sat down with Asayel to dive into her musical journey and find out what “Hena” means to her. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by music, with a family of musicians who made it feel like second nature. “Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” she shares. Starting out on GarageBand and learning everything from YouTube before taking formal classes, Asayel is the epitome of a self-made artist. “That journey of constant learning is what brought me to where I am today,” she explains. We talked about “Hena” and her vision for uniting cultures through music, all while pushing for more opportunities for female artists in the industry.
Scroll down to read more.
On Her Role Models and Inspirations
Ciara (Ciara Princess Wilson) was a huge inspiration for me growing up — I loved her style and felt like it resonated with my personality. I was also deeply influenced by Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill. If you could blend all three of them, you’d probably get something close to me.
On Evolving as an Artist
I started purely as a singer, but I’ve expanded into rapping and producing over time. My creative process also evolved — I’ve been part of writing camps, worked on a variety of beats, and learned to adapt to different creative environments. Whether I’m in a studio session or working with limited resources, I’ve learned to push my boundaries and make the best of every opportunity.
On The Meaning Behind The Track, “Hena”
To me, “Hena” — which means ‘here’ — represents where we started, how far we’ve come and the journey ahead. The track brings together artists with different styles and backgrounds, yet we share the same passion and pride for music and culture. That energy and unity are what make “Hena” so special.
On Music as a Universal Language
Music is a form of communication — it speaks to the heart and soul. Most of my collaborations are with artists from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, but the one thing we all share is our love for music. It allows us to connect and create something meaningful, even without words. Even if you don’t understand the language, music allows you to feel the emotions — it’s a universal language. You can tell whether a song is happy, melancholic, or carries a message just by listening. That’s why music is such a powerful tool for connection; it transcends borders and unites people through shared emotions and experiences.
On Showcasing Saudi Culture Through Music
I want to celebrate cultural exchange and showcase the richness of Saudi culture to a global audience. Music is a bridge and through it, I hope to bring people closer to Arabian heritage to help them understand and connect with our stories.
On Creating More Opportunities for Female Artists
There needs to be more platforms that prioritize female artists — whether it’s concerts, industry programs, or workshops designed to empower women in music. I also think there needs to be an easier process for organizing female-led concerts in Saudi Arabia, as it would create more opportunities for artists like me and many others.
On Future Plans
I’m dropping an EP this April and I can’t wait to share it. Plus, there’s a lot of exciting music and live performances coming this summer, so I’m looking forward to it all.
