is waif
FARRAH MECHAEL
Growing up as a first generation Iraqi American citizen, it has not been easy for my family to beat the odds in the entertainment industry. The majority of successful Middle Easterns I saw in American media followed the traditional, cultural way of life. I always had hope that despite the odds, I would succeed. Life is too short to reject your true self. Nonetheless, there are people who frown upon my career as a female Middle Eastern singer and performer.
Oftentimes, Middle Eastern women get married young and raise families, but I knew my path was different. From a young age, I fought to persevere against the cultural expectations; I do not have to listen to those who condemn my passion. And I certainly do not have to prioritize marriage or motherhood, especially at the cost of my own happiness.
Women in my culture are rarely provided a platform in the media, but that does not halt my fearlessness towards my individuality. I am unafraid to be who I am. And above all, I am proud of my identity. My heritage is sincerely important to me, and I will always proudly represent it—despite what American media may say about my culture. Arabic is my first language, and I feel strongly towards incorporating this in my music. I hope that the addition of Arabic lyrics in pop music will be everlasting and destigmatized. I believe that the marriage of my American life with my Iraqi identity is beautiful.
“Bravery in one’s own story also encourages others to be brave with theirs. How can you believe in anything if you don’t believe in yourself?”
We, as human beings, have the social and moral obligation to use our platforms for good. Yes, I want to make music. But it’s not that simple. It’s not that surface-level. More than anything, I want to bring you hope and joy. I want to breathe meaning back into music, which is commonly missing from contemporary pop music.
A vital element of my identity is mental health awareness. I have endured the deaths of multiple friends who suffered from mental illness, and I want to spotlight mental health resources, education, and prevention. My passion can be found in spreading positivity and happiness through my music, while providing my audience a chance to heal through the words written by my talented sister and poet Tamara Mechael. Music is healing. It is the universal language, and it can help us all understand each other. Music unites humanity, and nothing brings me more joy than bringing people together.
Everyone has a story that shapes who they are as a person. We all have our strengths, and we all have our burdens. There is not a single person on Earth who is not sad about something.
However, we must be able to learn from our past to build a brighter future —for ourselves and for each other. We must be brave with our stories and our identity. Bravery in one’s own story also encourages others to be brave with theirs. How can you believe in anything if you don’t believe in yourself? You are courageous simply for your heart beating each and every day in a world that is so beautiful, but can also be so cruel. Own that.