Like most disciplines in the realm of arts, singing, and songwriting are skills that can either be learned or inherited. In Jana Diab’s case, it’s the combination of both that’s paving her way into the industry her father Amr Diab once dominated. As the youngest member of the family, the 22-year-old is appearing to be a promising artist in her own right, making it feel like the family’s talents have reached full circle.
The London-based songstress, who just celebrated her birthday last month, is slowly proving to have the same vocal prowess her father has while infusing her music with a contemporary edge that resonates with a new generation of listeners and brings up memories of her dad’s legendary decades-spanning career. Still considered an up-and-comer as the spotlight becomes increasingly fixated on her, Diab’s trajectory is nothing short of growth and potential as she just recently inked her first professional deal with a record label.
Now a proud member of Interscope Records, a prestigious home to renowned artists such as American rapper J. Cole, Compton native Kendrick Lamar, the late bestselling MC Tupac, producer and designer Pharrell Williams, and Harlem’s own Azealia Banks, the Egyptian rising star now finds herself in the esteemed company of a myriad of the world of music’s titans, ready to add her unique voice to the already prestigious roster of talents.
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As she navigates the intricacies of the industry, her dedication, skill, and the echoes of her family’s artistry all converge to propel her toward a future that holds the promise of carving her own enduring mark. And to celebrate this first achievement, we decided to compile six facts about the budding superstar you need to know before she takes over the charts in the years to come.
She’s 22
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She was born on July 20, 2001, making her one of the ultimate Gen Zs to be keeping an eye out for.
She grew up in London
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Diab left Egypt at the age of 10 for the United Kingdom. It is believed that she went to school in London until the age of 18.
She doesn’t sing in Arabic but is still very proud of her roots
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The artist exclusively sings in English, however, she is still very proud of where she is from, her heritage, as well as her roots. “While I don’t sing in Arabic, being an Arab gives me an identity I am proud of. Egypt was my home for 10 years. It’s where most of my family are so it makes me feel emotionally secure,” she told Vogue Arabia back in 2018. In the same interview, she also explained looking up to her dad, despite her “music heading down a completely different path to (her) father’s – it is a different style and is aimed at a different culture.”
She released her first song in 2017
Diab released her first single, Mouth Taped Shut on January 1, 2017, at the age of 16. Released on her official YouTube channel, the track managed to gather over 600K views since it came out and was featured on the soundtrack of 2018 neo-noir drama movie Bayou Caviar.
Her father named a song after her
In 2014, her dad released his last album, Shoft El Ayam, with Rotana.The project secured a number one spot in the Billboard World Music category, making Diab the only Arab artist to ever reach such an achievement. Within the album, one song is eponymously named after his youngest daughter, claiming his love and care all throughout the track.
She also featured on her dad’s album
On February 12, 2020, Diab released his album Sahran, which included for the first time a song, titled Gamila, that featured his daughter.
