Bana: A Voice Moving Between Worlds

Music

Some artists write songs, and then there are artists who build worlds. Bana belongs firmly to the latter. Moving between Kurdish identity and Western pop with instinctive fluidity, she has become one of the most compelling new voices shaping contemporary music’s global future. Her sound is textured, emotional, and multilingual; her presence is confident yet deeply introspective. Whether she is crafting a viral Kurdish hit or exploring sensual vulnerability in English, Bana creates from a place where culture, memory, and ambition collide.

Fresh off the release of her latest single, Ripple Effect, the rising star speaks with Vingt Sept about dual identity, creative evolution, generational courage, and why her heart still dreams in two languages.

Ripple Effect feels both sensual and introspective. What was the emotional starting point for the track, and what does the title mean to you personally?

Ripple Effect is a song that has been loved behind the scenes for years now. It was written by Sophie Francis Cooke (known as Frances) and produced by Starsmith. It caught my attention and hit a nerve the first time I heard it, and it resonated with me so much. The song captures a feeling I’ve always had after being hurt in a relationship, and in life in general. I’ve always worked to learn from every experience, and I think the remedy for stopping pain from having a ripple effect is acknowledging it and replacing that ripple with love vibrations, on and on and on.

You navigate two musical worlds – Kurdish and Western pop. How has your cultural identity shaped your artistic voice?

For so long, I asked myself that question: how do I keep the balance? In all honesty, I don’t. It comes naturally for me to switch between my two personas, or even more, sometimes. Because I grew up in Kurdistan and I’ve always loved pop culture, I naturally became a blend of both worlds. I also carry both when creating English and Kurdish songs. I love the diversity in my music, and I hope I can express it more and more as I grow in my career.

Birwa Nakem went viral with over 132 million views on TikTok. Did that sudden global visibility shift your sense of creative direction?

Birwa Nakem is probably one of my favourite Kurdish songs I’ve ever written, apart from Duri (Warawa), which is coming out early 2026. It was a calculated move in my career, aside from being written from the depths of my heart. For years, I listened to what my fans wanted and took notes.

I also observed what the Kurdish music industry was lacking. Mixing all those things with the personal love situation I was going through created that song, written and recorded in one hour. It definitely opened a portal for me creatively. Before Birwa Nakem, I was honestly a bit lost about the direction I wanted to go with my Kurdish songs. Because I can do so many genres and so many different sounds, it’s always been a challenge to stick to one thing. But I’m glad Birwa Nakem was born; it had an amazing effect on my inner songwriter and was also a bridge that connected me to my day-one fans on a deeper level.

You’ve worked with major producers like Mojam and Starsmith. What is something you learned in those sessions that changed how you make music?

Having fun! The more successful people I meet and work with, the more I understand how important having fun is when creating art. Mojam and Starsmith are both wonderful people and super talented hitmakers. I can’t wait to create more music with them in the future.

The visual direction for your recent music videos shows a strong aesthetic identity. How involved are you in the creative direction of your styling and visual presentation?

I can say I am lucky enough to have full creative direction, and I’ve always been someone who lives in her own imaginary world. I’ve always believed in magic. I’ve had so many visions for the future, and that’s probably how I’ve gotten to this point, too (obviously with lots of hard work). I think it’s important to have ideas and work on turning them into reality every day. That’s the beauty of being human and being an artist.

Looking back at entering Kurd Idol at 16, what part of you stayed true and what part had to evolve to survive the spotlight?

I was super young when I entered Kurd Idol, and nothing could’ve prepared me for the weight I had to carry at such a young age. But I’m very grateful it happened because it shaped me and taught me a lot about the world, about art, and most importantly, about myself.

I can definitely say I was lost in the first couple of years after the programme because everyone expected not only the best from me, but also different expectations, and that made me really insecure. So I had to step back and think about what I truly wanted. And I did. Even with all the success I had back home, it still wasn’t enough for me. I’ve always wanted to become a global pop star, and I think that’s always stayed the same since I was a little girl.

When you write, do you experience your songs as storytelling, personal reflection, emotional catharsis, or something else?

When I write music, I always start with melodies. I do get song ideas or concepts suddenly, or when I’m thinking deeply. But in the studio, I like to vibe first, and sometimes the song writes itself, or I dig into my notes app for ideas. And yes, they’re definitely personal to me. My songs come from the deepest depths of my heart, and what’s important to me is capturing a feeling or a thought that we can all relate to and connect with. That’s when I know I’ve made a good song, because it truly expresses who I am.

How do you decide whether a song belongs in Kurdish or English? Do different emotions live in the two languages?

Kurdish expression is very different from English. For some reason, when I get super sad, I start writing or singing in Kurdish, maybe because my heart speaks Kurdish. But then the brain comes along and translates and calculates it into English as a better way of expanding those feelings and emotions. My singing style is trained on English songs, so it is definitely a machine inside me that constantly works to create music.

Fashion seems essential to how you express yourself as an artist. If your fashion could speak before you said anything, what would it say?

Glamour Bratz doll, magnetic and honestly bold sometimes, because I would go to university with thigh-high boots and platform heels.

If someone hears your music without understanding Kurdish culture, what quality do you hope they feel before they intellectually grasp it?

I’d hope they feel inspired to get to know more about Kurdistan, our rich history and culture, and hopefully visit Kurdistan to experience the beautiful mountainous nature and the good food we have.

You’ve expressed wanting to be the first Kurdish pop star on a global stage. What internal barriers have you had to dismantle along that journey?

Breaking free from generational shame around being a singer and a free woman. We have so many influential Kurdish women throughout history who had to fight for what they believed in in their own ways.

I think I am doing the same in a way that makes what I do so worth it, because I’m not only doing this for my inner child or younger version of myself. I hope to inspire so many other people with dreams and show them that no matter where they’re from, with the right amount of effort and being smart, they can achieve whatever they set their mind to.

From Air to Ripple Effect, your sound feels increasingly confident and textured. What direction do you see your next era moving toward musically?

Ah! This is a tricky question, but none… or both? We’ll have to see, because I don’t like repeating myself. I only elevate and become better. Or surprise everyone, because I might do something completely different from both or anything I’ve ever done.

Quick-fire round:

A song that never fails to lift your mood? The Carters – APESHIT

A scent that feels like home? Sulaymaniyah Airport and my mum’s cooking

A Kurdish word English can’t fully translate? Hmmm… pazhara

A ritual before performing? Pray from the heart, gratitude, and mirror work

Do you dream in English or Kurdish? English

The album you’d choose if your life needed a soundtrack? Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande

If you could speak to your younger self backstage at Kurd Idol, what would you tell her?

To never stop being herself. Keep going – you’re on the right track.

Ripple Effect is out now

Follow Bana HERE

Words by Jheanelle Feanny