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Draft:BANA

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BANA
Birth nameBana Faith Shirwan
Born (2001-03-04) March 4, 2001 (age 23)
Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan
Genres
  • Pop
  • Kurdish
  • Sorani Pop
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Guitar
Years active2017–present
Websitewww.banaofficial.com

Bana Fatih Shirwan (born March 4, 2001) known mononymously as BANA, is a Kurdish singer and songwriter who rose to prominence on the televised singing competition Kurd Idol The televised performances resulted in BANA’s rise to national fame being an overnight success. After the show she released her debut single, “BOCHI” (2019). She has since then gone on to find domestic success with releases “Amawet” (2020) and “Shetm” (2020) which are singles included on her debut kurdish album “Diway Salêk” (2022).

In 2023 BANA travelled to London.[1] with the intention of recording her first English language singles. She would write 18 songs in these early sessions including “Bag of Hearts” (2024), spanning pop, house and even drum and bass production. Across her forthcoming EP release, Bana weaves elements of Kurdish music — complex melody, local instruments and heavy beats — with a maximalist popstar sheen.[2]

Biography

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Bana Fatih Shirwan was born March 4, 2001 in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan a region of Iraq[3]. As a young child Bana would put on concerts for her family where she began singing at the age of 4. Looking at western musical artists BANA learnt the english language through music and in secret would practise singing. Through putting on home concerts for her family this led to Bana being gifted a guitar to learn and play alongside her enjoyment of singing leading her to sign up to Kurd Idol[4]

Career

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2017–2018: Kurd Idol and Self-Discovery

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In 2017, at the age of 16, Bana auditioned for the TV talent competition show Kurd Idol, intending to be the only contestant singing in English Bana sang Tori Kelly’s “Silent” but however learnt 15 minutes before her audition that she would also need a Kurdish song prepared for the judges. She opted for Homer Dizeiy’s “Dû Dil” who was one of the judges on the panel. After passing the initial audition Bana went on to finish in the finale of the TV show whilst also being the youngest contestant on the programme.

2019–2022: Bochi, Diway Salêk, and Min Êsta

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In 2019 Bana made her return to the kurdish music scene with her song "BOCHI," which quickly captivated audiences, amassing several millions views on her official YouTube channel. Her unique style and voice contributed significantly to her rise in popularity, particularly amongst the Kurdish music community.

During the course of 2020 to 2021 Bana released a series of singles blending the kurdish and pop genres pushing forward Kurdi-Pop. She put these collections of songs together to create her debut album “Diway Salêk” which was released on 6 March 2022[5].

Following the success of her debut album which garnered several million views on her YouTube. Bana followed up with the release of Min Êsta on 28 August 2022.

2023–Present: English Musical Transition[6]

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During 2022 Bana was given the opportunity to travel to London to record a series of English language songs, something she has wanted to do since discovering her love for singing. In these sessions she would write over 40 songs spanning pop, house and even drum and base production including “Tangy” released 26 May 2023 and “Bag of Hearts” released 3 September 2024.[7]

Across her forthcoming single releases, Bana weaves elements of Kurdish music - complex melody, local instruments and heavy beats - with maximalist popstar sheen. In the face of potential controversy at home, Bana is defiant in her approach. With both her Kurdish debut album and her forthcoming English tracks, Bana’s drive, optimism and vocal ability shine through.

Artistry

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BANA’s biggest musical influences include Beyoncé, One Direction, Little Mix and Ariana Grande[8]. She has said that her dream is to become the first global pop star from Kurdistan. She has since been deemed “Kurdistan’s Princess of Pop".

Works

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Albums

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  • Diway Salêk (2022)

Singles

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  • "BOCHI" (2019)
  • "Lem Jyaberewè" (2020)
  • "Amawet" (2020)
  • "Shetm" (2020)
  • "Destim Bigre" (2021)
  • "Dili Shikaw" (2021)
  • "Hemû Şewêk" (2021)
  • "Diway Salêk" (2021)
  • "Dilekem" (2021)
  • "Heqi Xote" (2021)
  • "Min Êsta" (2022)
  • "Tangy" (2023)
  • "Bag Of Hearts" (2024)
  • "Lil Freak" (2024)

References

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  1. ^ "Interview: Bana Talks Latest Single 'Bag of Hearts' and More". Original Rock. September 19, 2024.
  2. ^ "Introducing Pop Music's Emerging New Princess: BANA". Spindle Magazine. September 5, 2024.
  3. ^ "Introducing: BANA". Euphoria Magazine. June 8, 2023.
  4. ^ "Hawler's Colorful New Year Celebration Kicks Off". Rudaw. March 30, 2018.
  5. ^ "Press Play: Bana – Bag of Hearts". KALTBLUT Magazine. September 4, 2024.
  6. ^ "Brilliant New Release 'Tangy' from Urban Pop Sensation BANA Out Now". KRON4. May 30, 2023.
  7. ^ "Wonderlist 188". Wonderland Magazine. September 6, 2024.
  8. ^ "Bana - 'Bag of Hearts' Single". Bong Mines Entertainment. September 9, 2024.
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