Malaysian beauty, Yuna is known to be a pop superstar, but with all the soul she puts on a track, it’s hard to keep her in just one category. Born Yunalis Zarai, the 29-year-old has given an unfamiliar, but bold and unique look as an American artist.
Yuna is a devout Muslim and receives so much love and support for her barrier breaking. One of the main things that stands out in her style is her hijab (headwraps), which are her choice to wear.
“I speak up against racism, sexism, and homophobia. As long as this belief does not cause harm to your environment by all means, stand on it.”
The singer-songwriter was born in Malaysia, which is where she discovered her musical talents. At 7 she started showcasing her singing abilities, but just for fun. She didn’t think her gift would get her this far. At the age of 14 she was writing poetry and songs. Yuna also was able to teach herself how to play guitar. Music was an outlet for her, while also being a law school student. Once Yuna gave her music to the world through social media, things started to change. Luckily, she was able to have supportive parents who were all for her taking music seriously. Her dad was a musician as well and very impressed with her skill of writing music.
Next up was Yuna’s big move to Los Angeles, CA at the age of 23, on her own. Focusing and working on music was her main goal there as she was able to work with producers. She was able to sign with Fader and had the opportunity to work with big names such as Pharrell. She’s here today with her third album, Chapters, which she describes as “growth, and evolution.”
“My progression in my music, you can see it always moving, never still. I am much more mature. It show how I see life and love now completely different.”
Chapters shows a very personal and emotional side of the Malaysian singer. “I’m more aware of my feelings, emotions and my womanhood,” says Yuna. Her latest album includes her first BillBoard Chart hit and lead single “Crush,” featuring superstar, Usher. It also made over 12 million views on YouTube and #2 on the UAC charts. The album also includes features from the soulful, Jhene Aiko and DJ Premier. She’s currently on tour, “My fan base is really growing,” says Yuna and excitingly speaks on her sold out European tour.
Not only is she progressing in her music, she is also creating bright self-expression through clothing. She knows a lot of time people have the assumption that she wears black, but colors are something she really goes for in fashion. She may not be your typical pop star when it comes to appearance, but her bold, bright colors show such great and positive emotion. She is the face of Uniqlo Hijab collection and online store, November culture.
She also has a collaborative line with designer, Hatta Dolmat. Hatta x Yuna. This collection involves many bright colors and floral prints, allowing women to make bold statements. The clothing compliments the two friends so well. They want to show beauty and empowerment through style.
“We went loud with bold print and colors. Creating something fun and stylish to wear. Clothes are a form of expression”
Yuna has consistently been gaining a fan base in America and she’s made a mark internationally. Women like Yuna embrace the real in people and strive for women empowerment an encouragement. Through this journey of music, she has been able to find her sound and most importantly, herself.
For a long time I was looking for a sound. Am I a pop artist? I still wanted to do soul music and I didn’t want to do pop music that wasn’t sincere. I wanted to prove to people there was more. In music I went through different phases . I would say i’m urban-contemporary and I love giving the raw, real and honest emotions in my music.”
Check Out Yuna’s two singles off her latest album Chapters below:
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