Syrian Hijab singer attracts millions of views
In a recording studio in Dubai, 26-year-old Ghaliaa Chaker, dressed in a hijab, tunes her guitar and sings original songs, making waves with more than just her music.
Raised in the UAE and originally from Syria, Chaker has captured the hearts of many, amassing 437,000 Instagram followers and millions of views on her YouTube channel. Her distinct sound and unique presence stand out in a region where hijab-wearing artists are rare.
“I hope I’ve paved the way for other hijabi singers,” Chaker shared with AFP. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my journey might inspire a girl with dreams who feels held back because she hasn’t seen anyone like her do the same.”
Chaker, who is also a motorbike enthusiast and rides with an all-hijabi biker squad in Dubai, began her musical journey at 16, composing and writing lyrics. She drew inspiration from Nedaa Shrara, a veiled Jordanian singer who made headlines in 2015 when she won “The Voice” Arabic version. Despite facing some controversy, Shrara’s confidence and success gave Chaker the courage to pursue her own dreams.
“My confidence grew after seeing her,” Chaker said. “I thought, if she can do it, so can I.”
Chaker’s first song, composed in English, was played on Dubai radio stations in 2018, marking the beginning of her career. Now she mostly sings in Arabic, contributing to a vibrant music scene in the region that’s increasingly celebrating young, innovative talents.
