Maritta Hallani

Maritta Hallani (Arabic: ماريتا الحلاني; born February 1, 1997) is a Lebanese singer, songwriter, composer, and actress known for her contributions to Arabic pop music and her acting roles in regional television series.^[1] Born in Beirut to the iconic Lebanese singer Assi El Hallani and his wife, former Miss Lebanon Colette Boulos, she was immersed in the music industry from a young age, often accompanying her father on stage during his performances.^[2][3] Hallani launched her professional music career in 2015 with the English-language single "Go," marking her entry into the international pop scene, and followed it with her self-titled debut album Maritta in 2018, which showcased a blend of traditional Lebanese melodies and contemporary Western influences.^[2] Expanding her artistic portfolio, Hallani ventured into acting with a role as Souad in the 2020 Ramadan series 2020, establishing herself as a multifaceted performer independent of her family's legacy.^[2] In her personal life, she married producer Kamil Abi Khalil in a high-profile ceremony on June 7, 2023, at her father's farm in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, but the couple divorced in April 2025.^[4][5] This transformative period inspired her 2025 single "Solo," a poignant track filmed in Paris that emphasizes themes of independence and resilience, which quickly trended on platforms like YouTube and solidified her evolving artistic identity.^[6] Hallani shuttles between Beirut, Dubai, and Paris (as of 2023), focusing on music that authentically reflects her personal growth and cultural roots.^[6][2]

Early life

Family background

Maritta Assi El Hallani was born on February 1, 1997, in Beirut, Lebanon.^[7][8] She is the daughter of Assi El Hallani, a prominent Lebanese pop singer known for his contributions to Arabic music since the 1990s, and Colette Boulos, who was crowned Miss Lebanon in 1988.^[3][9][10] Maritta grew up as the eldest of three siblings in this artistic household, including her younger brother al-Waleed Hallani, a singer who has followed in the family tradition, and her sister Dana Hallani.^[11][12] From an early age, she was immersed in the entertainment industry through her parents' and siblings' connections, providing a foundational environment rich in musical and performative influences.^[3][11]

Musical beginnings

Maritta Hallani grew up in Hallanieh, Baalbeck, Lebanon, where she developed an early fascination with singing amid a family environment rich in artistic influences. From a very young age, music became a central part of her life, capturing her heart through her father's nurturing involvement. Her talent was discovered at the age of five.^[1] Assi El Hallani, a prominent Lebanese singer, introduced her to the world of music by playing the oud and singing to her at home, fostering her initial interest during childhood music sessions.^[2] From a young age, Hallani showed talent in singing under her father's guidance. She frequently attended his concerts and accompanied him to studio sessions as a child, which exposed her to professional music production and live performances in an informal setting. These experiences, combined with home-based musical activities, shaped her growing passion and provided opportunities for early creative expression.^[2] Her first informal performances occurred during family gatherings and occasional onstage appearances alongside her father at his events, allowing her to test her vocal abilities in low-pressure environments. During her school years, she continued exploring music through personal practice, eventually starting to cover songs on YouTube at age 14, which marked her initial steps toward broader sharing of her talent. After graduating from high school in 2015, Hallani pursued music professionally, transitioning from these pre-professional experiences to a committed artistic path.^[2][7][1]

Career

Debut and early singles

Maritta Hallani launched her professional music career in 2015 with the English-language single "Go," marking her entry into the international pop scene.^[13] Following years of informal exposure through family performances and online covers, she entered the Arabic music market in 2016. Her debut Arabic single, "Chou Baddak," released on June 6, 2016, under AMD Production, marked her initial foray into Arabic pop with upbeat rhythms and lyrics exploring playful romantic inquiries, blending Lebanese musical traditions with contemporary production.^[14][15] Later that year, on June 30, 2016, she issued "Yalla Nefrah" featuring DJ Osane, also via AMD Production, which infused energetic dance-pop elements with themes of joyful escapism and youthful romance, appealing to a younger Arab audience through its infectious hooks and collaboration-driven vibe.^[16][17] The track contributed to her emerging visibility on platforms like YouTube and Anghami, where it garnered steady streams and helped cultivate an initial fan base in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.^[18] In 2017, Hallani released "Khayfa Anam" on August 18, delving deeper into emotional vulnerability with a ballad-style composition that addressed fears of heartbreak and sleepless nights in love, produced under similar pop-Lebanese influences.^[19] This single received positive media attention for her crystalline vocals, with outlets like L'Orient-Le Jour praising her as a fresh addition to Lebanese variety music, bringing youthful authenticity to romantic themes.^[20] It further solidified her early reception, earning recognition from Huffington Post as one of three rising young musicians in the Arab world that year.^[21] These early releases, while not dominating formal charts in Lebanon or the Arab world due to limited data from the period, built momentum through social media engagement and live appearances at local Lebanese festivals, where Hallani performed to growing crowds and connected with fans via relatable pop-romantic narratives.^[18] Her work during this phase emphasized accessible, emotion-driven songs that bridged traditional Lebanese sounds with modern appeal, laying the foundation for her fan base expansion across the region.^[1]

Debut album and rising fame

In August 2018, Maritta Hallani released her self-titled debut album Maritta, comprising 10 tracks that fuse Lebanese, Egyptian, and Algerian musical influences to showcase her vocal versatility across dialects.^[1][2] The album, released on August 13 via AMD Production, features songs such as "Eli W Melki," "Akher Marra," "Ana," "Metlakhbata," and "Manno Maa'ad," with production credits including Elhamy Dehema as a key producer and arrangers like Maz and Sleiman Damien.^[22][23] Critics commended the album for Hallani's soulful timbre and ability to navigate diverse styles, noting its fresh take on Arabic pop that highlighted her emotive delivery.^[24] Following the album's launch, Hallani issued follow-up singles including "Eli W Melki" and "Metlakhbata" in 2018–2019, exploring themes of possessive love and emotional confusion, respectively, often framed with undertones of personal empowerment and romantic introspection.^[25][26] These tracks, drawn from the album, built on its momentum by emphasizing heartfelt lyrics about relationships and self-assertion.^[27] Hallani's rising profile in 2018 culminated in winning the Favorite Arab Music Artist Award at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, recognizing her breakout appeal among younger audiences.^[28][29] She celebrated the album's release with a party concert at BHV in Beirut and joined her father, Assi El Hallani, for a surprise duet performance at a 2018 Beirut event, further endearing her to fans.^[30][18] By 2019, Hallani expanded her visibility through live performances, including singing the theme song at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Abu Dhabi and participating in regional concerts.^[1][31] She also made her acting debut in a minor role in the TV series Berdene Ana, marking an early foray into multimedia that complemented her musical ascent.^[32]

Recent releases and evolution

Following a period of limited musical output from 2020 to 2024, attributed to personal reasons, Maritta Hallani focused on brief ventures into acting, including roles in the Lebanese series Hkayti (2021) and 2020 (2021).^[32][1] During this time, she released only sporadic singles, such as "Ouloulou" in 2020 and "Hafdal Aghanni" in 2024, marking a slowdown in her recording activity compared to her earlier career.^[33] Hallani staged a notable comeback in 2025 with the single "SOLO," released in July, which debuted on YouTube's trending list and emphasized themes of independence and self-empowerment following personal challenges.^[6][34] The track, directed by Rudy Moawad and featuring music by Karl Husein, was filmed in Paris and captured her declaration of moving forward alone, with lyrics reflecting resilience and a "YOLO" life motto.^[6] In October 2025, she followed with "Ras Al Jabal," a song highlighting strength and facing adversity, produced by Charbel Aoun and released to positive reception on platforms like Apple Music.^[35][36] This phase represented an artistic evolution toward more introspective lyrics, drawing from post-2020 personal transformations to convey maturity, self-love, and emotional depth, as seen in her shift from upbeat pop to honest, experience-driven narratives.^[6] Hallani marked this growth with live performances, including a surprise appearance at the Beirut Holidays Festival in July 2025 alongside the Adonis Band, where she debuted a bold new look symbolizing renewal.^[37] Her digital presence surged, with "SOLO" contributing to her Spotify monthly listeners reaching 28.5K by late 2025, underscoring streaming success in the Arab pop scene.^[33] In the 2020s, Hallani earned regional nominations, including at the prestigious Murex d’Or awards in Lebanon, recognizing her contributions to Arabic music amid this period of adaptation and return.^[18]

Personal life

Marriage

Maritta Hallani met Kamil Abi Khalil, the head of production at Anghami Studios, through professional connections in the music industry over two years prior to their engagement, where an immediate connection sparked during extended conversations.^[2][38] On February 8, 2023, Abi Khalil proposed to Hallani on the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, a location chosen for its romantic appeal that aligned with her fondness for the city; her sister Dana assisted in the setup, and a pianist provided live music during the moment.^[2] The couple announced their engagement on February 23, 2023, sharing photos and a video from the proposal that captured the intimate scene.^[38] Hallani and Abi Khalil held a civil ceremony in Abu Dhabi on June 7, 2023, followed by their main wedding celebration that same day at her family's farm in the Bekaa Valley near Baalbeck, Lebanon, transforming the venue into a fairy-tale setting with lush foliage, twinkling lights, and floral accents.^[2][4] Hallani wore a strapless Elie Saab gown from the designer's Autumn 2023 bridal collection, featuring an embroidered bodice, voluminous tulle skirt, and a matching veil, complemented by diamond jewelry.^[2][4] The event was attended by close family and friends, including her father, singer Assi El Hallani, and brother Al Walid Hallani, both of whom performed musical numbers during the festivities.^[2][4] The wedding generated significant buzz on social media, with shared photos and videos of the ceremony and receptions drawing widespread admiration from fans and followers, many of whom celebrated the couple's union online.^[4][2]

Divorce and aftermath

Maritta Hallani and her husband, Kamil Abi Khalil, announced their separation at the end of April 2025, less than two years after their civil wedding ceremony in Abu Dhabi on June 7, 2023. The divorce was officially finalized on April 29, 2025, in a private session at a civil court in Abu Dhabi, with sources confirming the proceedings were amicable but details remained private. Media outlets speculated on the brevity of the marriage as a factor, though no specific reasons were publicly disclosed by the couple.^[39][40][41] Hallani's family provided public support following the announcement. Her mother, Colette Hallani, shared a video of Maritta singing on social media, accompanied by the caption expressing deep love and encouragement for her to "keep shining." Her father, singer Assi El Hallani, addressed the situation indirectly through lyrics in his song "Al Haq Alaina," released shortly after, which included lines such as "It's our fault... We thought loving her was a game," interpreted by the public as reflecting regret over the marriage's end and sparking online controversy about potential blame toward Abi Khalil.^[40][41] In the immediate aftermath, Hallani briefly retreated from the public eye to focus on personal reflection, describing the period as a necessary pause "to listen to [herself] in silence" after the divorce. This time away culminated in visible symbols of reinvention, such as her decision to cut her hair short, which she explained in a 2025 interview as representing "a completely new phase in [her] life," embodying strength and renewal.^[6]

Artistry

Musical style

Maritta Hallani's music is primarily rooted in Arabic pop, incorporating distinct Lebanese influences that fuse traditional melodic structures with contemporary production techniques. Her work often draws on the rhythmic and harmonic elements characteristic of Lebanese folk traditions, such as intricate maqam scales, while integrating modern pop sensibilities to appeal to a broader Arab and international audience. This blend creates a sound that is both culturally resonant and accessible, as seen in tracks like "Eli W Melki," where traditional Arabic instrumentation meets upbeat pop arrangements.^[27][18] Her vocal style is marked by a strong, emotive delivery that excels in conveying romantic longing and empowering narratives. Hallani's voice, described as soulful and powerful, demonstrates versatility across dialects, including Lebanese and Egyptian Arabic, allowing her to infuse performances with raw emotional depth and confidence. This approach suits themes of love, heartbreak, and personal resilience, with her expressive phrasing and dynamic range enabling intimate storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners.^[24][27][18] In terms of production, Hallani's early releases featured electronic beats and Western pop elements to drive energetic tracks, reflecting a vibrant, dance-oriented aesthetic. Over time, her sound has evolved toward greater acoustic introspection, particularly in 2025 singles like "Solo" and "Ras Al Jabal," which incorporate accordion, violin, and minimalistic arrangements to emphasize vulnerability and maturity. This shift highlights a move from polished, beat-heavy compositions to more organic, narrative-driven productions that prioritize lyrical honesty.^{[27][6][42][43]} Hallani primarily performs in Arabic, favoring the Lebanese dialect to maintain authenticity, though she occasionally incorporates multilingual elements in collaborative or experimental pieces. This linguistic choice reinforces the cultural specificity of her music while broadening its emotional universality.^[24][27]

Influences and collaborations

Maritta Hallani's musical influences are deeply rooted in her family's legacy within Lebanese pop, particularly her father, Assi El Helani, whose distinctive style and stage presence she has cited as a primary inspiration from her formative years.^[7] Growing up in a musically inclined household, she was exposed to a broad spectrum of genres, including traditional Arabic tarab and contemporary pop, which shaped her appreciation for blending cultural heritage with modern sounds.^[18] Hallani's professional collaborations often reflect her ties to the Arab music industry and family network. She has worked closely with her brother, Walid Hallani, on multiple projects, including her appearance in the music video for his single "Nasi," released in May 2025 and produced by Karl Husein, marking one of their joint efforts emphasizing themes of personal resilience.^[44][18] Early in her career, she collaborated with her father on three recorded works, highlighting the Hallani family's intergenerational musical synergy.^[45] Additionally, Hallani partnered with artists Zena Emad and Donia Wael on the song "We Choose," a track promoting women's empowerment, and engaged in promotional collaborations with platforms like Anghami for campaigns such as #WeChoose in 2022.^[27][46] In recent years, Hallani's influences have evolved toward more introspective narratives, influenced by personal experiences that inform her songwriting, as seen in her 2025 collaboration with producer Karl Husein on projects like "Solo" and "Ras Al Jabal" that captured mature, life-derived themes.^[6] These partnerships, including live covers with musicians like Tony Abou Jaoude and The Coolcumbers in 2014, underscore her versatility in both studio and performance settings.^[47]

Discography

Albums

Maritta Hallani's debut studio album, Maritta, was released on August 13, 2018, by AMD Production.^[22] The album consists of 10 original tracks, blending multicultural Arabic pop elements with influences from Lebanese and Egyptian dialects, showcasing Hallani's versatile vocal style in themes of love, jealousy, and empowerment.^[24] Key contributors included producers Elhamy Dehema and Sami Al Mutawaki, alongside arrangers such as Maz and Sleiman Damien.^[23] The tracklist features a mix of upbeat and melodic songs, with highlights including the lead single "Eli W Melki," which explores possessive romance and amassed over 29 million views on YouTube as of November 2025, and "Akher Marra," a poignant breakup anthem.^[48] Other notable tracks are "Ana," reflecting self-assertion, and "Metlakhbata," capturing emotional confusion, contributing to the album's cohesive narrative of youthful relationships.^[22] The album marked Hallani's entry into full-length projects and received praise for its production quality and her soulful delivery across dialects, though specific sales figures are unavailable; streaming metrics indicate strong engagement, with the artist's total lead streams exceeding 2.5 million on platforms like Spotify as of November 2025.^[24][49] As of November 2025, Hallani has not released any subsequent major studio albums, focusing instead on singles and collaborations, with no qualifying EPs noted in her discography.^[33]

Singles

Maritta Hallani's singles career began with her debut release in 2015, marking her entry into the Lebanese pop scene with energetic tracks blending Arabic melodies and contemporary beats. Her early non-album singles often explored themes of youthful romance and emotional vulnerability, gaining traction through music videos and radio play in the Arab world. These releases established her as a rising artist, with several achieving millions of views on YouTube and strong streaming performance on platforms like Spotify.^[50][33] Her initial single, "Go," released on October 1, 2015, served as an introduction to her vibrant style, featuring a music video filmed in Georgia that captured themes of moving on from a relationship; it amassed over 1.2 million YouTube views as of November 2025.^[50][51] This was followed by "Chou Baddak" on June 6, 2016, a playful track about curiosity in love. In 2016, "Yalla Nefrah" (featuring DJ Osane), dropped on June 30, encouraged letting go and celebrating life, though it had more modest visibility with around 6,000 views on its official audio upload as of November 2025.^[52][53] The following year, "Khayfa Anam" arrived on August 18, 2017, delving into fears of loneliness and sleepless nights in love, with its official music video surpassing 3.4 million YouTube views as of November 2025 and notable airplay on regional Arab radio stations.^[54][55] Also in 2017, "Tla'ayna" was released on January 16, 2018, as a pre-album single exploring chance encounters in romance. By 2018, Hallani's output intensified with singles like "Akher Marra" on August 15, reflecting finality in romance, whose October music video release garnered 2.6 million YouTube views as of November 2025. "Eli W Melki," released August 13, celebrated possessive love and partnership, achieving 29 million views on its lyric video and 2.4 million Spotify streams as of November 2025, making it one of her breakthrough hits in the Arab charts.^[56][57][48] "Metlakhbata," also from August 13, captured emotional confusion in relationships, with its September official video reaching 3.3 million YouTube views as of November 2025.^[58][59] Hallani's mid-period releases from 2020 to 2024 were more sporadic, focusing on standalone tracks amid her album work. Notable examples include "Ouloulou" on October 21, 2020, a reflective piece on communication in relationships; "Tsallayna" and "عرس قلبي" (featuring her father Assi El Hallani) in June 2023, both wedding-themed tracks tied to her personal life, with "عرس قلبي" amassing 10 million YouTube views as of November 2025; "Habibi El Helo" in June 2023, a playful romantic single; "Hafdal Aghanni" (featuring Adonis) on May 23, 2024, emphasizing perseverance in music; and "Ya Basha" on December 20, 2024, which highlighted empowerment and garnered steady streaming growth in the Levant region. These maintained her presence on Arab music platforms without major chart dominance.^[60][33] In 2025, Hallani returned with bolder, personal-themed singles. "SOLO," released July 9, symbolized independence post-personal challenges, with its official music video—showcasing a short-haired transformation—accumulating 2.3 million YouTube views as of November 2025 and peaking in regional streaming charts. "Ras Al Jabal," out on October 16, portrayed resilience like a mountain's peak, featuring a visually striking music video directed by The Office Studios; it reached 980,000 YouTube views and over 5,000 Spotify streams as of November 2025, reflecting strong initial Arab audience engagement.^{[61][62][36][63]}