For nearly three decades, Elissa has spoken to millions through songs. In 2021, she decided to speak in a different format: a weekly podcast. Partnering with regional streaming platform Anghami, the Lebanese superstar launched “Elissa: The Podcast”, a 12-episode series that blends autobiography, reflection and social commentary.
Anghami described the show as a chance for Elissa to open up about her past and present, her private experiences and her professional journey—all in her own voice, without the filter of music videos or TV interviews.
From Pop Ballads to Personal Stories
The podcast’s episodes delve into childhood memories, early career struggles, major turning points and the battles that shaped her public persona, including her widely discussed fight against breast cancer. Elissa has been outspoken about women’s rights, mental health, freedom of expression and bullying; the podcast gives her room to connect those causes to specific moments in her life.
Listeners hear not only the polished star but also the woman behind the albums—someone who studied political science, initially saw music as a side interest, and then climbed from a talent show silver medal in 1992 to become one of the Arab world’s best-selling artists.
A First Mover in Arab Podcast Culture
When “Elissa: The Podcast” premiered, Anghami and regional media highlighted its pioneering aspect: a mainstream Arab pop icon using podcasting as a primary storytelling format rather than a side promotion. In a region where audio series are still growing, her involvement helps legitimize podcasts as a serious medium for personal narrative and fan engagement.}
Anghami’s co-founder and CEO Eddy Maroun praised Elissa as one of the most influential voices in the Arab world, arguing that her opinions “matter as much as her music”. The podcast responds to that idea by giving those opinions a structured, recurring space instead of short interview clips.
Closer to Fans in a Time of Distance
The launch also carried a pandemic-era logic. With concerts cancelled or restricted and many fans isolated at home, Elissa framed the podcast as a way to maintain human connection: “Better days are coming,” she said, promising that until live shows fully return, the conversations in each episode would help bridge the distance.
For Lebanese listeners—whether in the country or abroad—the show offers a mix of comfort and candidness at a time of political, economic and social pressure. Her voice, already associated with emotional pop ballads, becomes a guide through topics that go beyond romance into resilience, illness, activism and faith in better futures.
What It Means for Lebanese Music and Media
Elissa’s move into podcasting is part of a wider shift in Arab entertainment, where stars diversify from albums and TV into streaming, social platforms and now long-form audio. For the Lebanese creative economy, it underscores how talent from the country continues to experiment with new ways of reaching audiences, even as traditional models struggle.
As “Elissa: The Podcast” adds another layer to her already substantial legacy, it also offers a blueprint for other artists: when the stage is unstable, the studio mic and a simple RSS feed can keep the conversation—and the connection—alive.
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