Al Rawabi School for Girls’ Yara Al Mustafa is indeed working late cause she’s a singer (thanks, Sabrina Carpenter).
The 22-year-old icon, best known for her role in the Netflix mega-hit series in 2021, is shaking things up to deliver her passion for singing.
Born in Saudi Arabia and growing up between Jordan and Kuwait, Yara Al Mustafa was quick to shine in the spotlight. Alongside her acting, she grew over 1.2 million followers on TikTok after posting singing covers. Now, she’s made her first big move into the music industry.
The star finally released her debut single, “A’ish Balak,” in April, much to the delight of her loyal fans, and garnering over a million views in less than a month.
SHE IS THE MOMENT. We got up to speed with the queen herself to chat all things music, acting and everything in between.
We caught up with Yara Al Mustafa about her debut single, music, and sticking to her roots.
CosmoME: What is your earliest memory of music?
Yara: My earliest memory of music is when I was around five years old. I remember sitting with my dad, listening to all types of music, from Ziad Al Rahbani to David Bowie. The melodies and rhythms were so enchanting, and I fell in love. That’s when I first felt a deep connection to music, and I knew it was something special to me.
CosmoME: You recently released your debut, A’ISH Balak. How many months of planning went into this, and what led you to leap?
Yara: The planning and preparation for “A’ish Balak” took months. It involved a lot of work, from writing and composing the song to recording and producing the music video. The inspiration to release my single came from a deep desire to share my voice with the world. I’ve always felt a strong connection to music, and this was the time to write and tell my story through my music.
CosmoME: “A’ish Balak” already has over a million YouTube views. Did you expect your single to go viral?
Yara: While I believed in the song and hoped it would resonate with people, I didn’t expect it to go viral so quickly. The support from my fans has been overwhelming, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the song connect with so many listeners worldwide.
CosmoME: What was your initial reaction when you saw the music video? How did you feel when the track was set live for your audience?
Yara: It was a surreal experience, when the track went live, I felt so excited but also super nervous. Sharing my debut single with the world was a massive moment for me, and my audience’s positive feedback and support have been incredibly heartwarming.
CosmoME: Do you see yourself taking on an acting role that also includes singing? Or would you like to keep both career paths separate?
Yara: Absolutely. It’s my dream to combine my passion for singing in a single project. But I’m also open to keeping both paths separate if the right opportunities arise. Ultimately, it’s about finding projects that resonate with me and allow me to grow as an artist.
CosmoME: How do you stay true to your roots while exploring different musical styles?
Yara: I incorporate traditional Arabic elements and my love for Rock into my music, whether it’s through instruments, scales, or lyrical themes. At the same time, I’m open to experimenting with different styles and genres. It’s about blending the old with the new, honoring my heritage while also expressing my personal evolution as an artist.
CosmoME: What role does storytelling play in your songwriting process?
Yara: I believe music is a powerful medium for sharing personal experiences and connecting with listeners on a deeper level, so every song I write starts with a story or emotion I want to convey. I hope to tell stories that resonate with people, and through my music, I hope they can feel seen and understood.
CosmoME: How do you find inspiration for new songs or projects?
Yara: Personal experiences, books, movies, or even a conversation with a friend. I am inspired by everyday life, observing the world, and reflecting on my journey. Keeping a journal also helps me capture these moments of inspiration and turn them into songs.
CosmoME: What do you enjoy the most about being a new artist in the music world?
Yara: It would be the ability to express myself creatively and connect with others through my songs. There’s nothing like performing live and seeing the emotions on people’s faces, knowing that my music touches their hearts. It’s incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to keep creating.
CosmoME: Who was your favourite artist growing up, and how did they inspire you?
Yara: I grew up listening to Tame Impala. His music influenced my desire to explore different styles while staying true to my vision. I also love Kevin Parker’s ability to blend different genres and create a psychedelic sound. His innovative approach to music and the depth of his lyrics taught me the power of experimentation.
CosmoME: What legacy do you hope to leave through your music career?
Yara: I want my music to inspire people, especially young girls and women, to believe in themselves and their inner strength. I hope to be remembered as an artist who stayed true to her roots while pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes.
Want more Cosmo ME interviews? Meet Saudi’s youngest influencer, Rateel Alshihri, here.