Pop newcomer Bana shared her bold new single ‘Bag of Hearts’ earlier this month.
Firmly established as a popstar in her home region of Kurdistan, Bana’s newest English language material fuses musical elements of her roots with a maximalist pop sheen – and her latest track showcases this to full effect.
Check out Bana’s music video for ‘Bag of Hearts’ below which has received over half a million views so far and counting!
Frontrunning the hub of surging talent from her hometown, Bana has arrived to empower, and proudly represent Kurdish women in the industry. Her distinctive brand of unapologetic lyrics and punchy production has been crafted to instantly steal attention, as the starlet prepares to show the world what she is made of.
A song about a trickster who steals people’s hearts, ‘Bag of Hearts’ brims with a fierce, no-holds-barred attitude that’s matched with pulsing beats and catchy, Kurdish infused melodies which allow Bana’s outstanding vocals to take centre stage.
We managed to catch up with Kurdish pop sensation Bana about her latest single ‘Bag of Hearts’ and more below!
So how has your latest single ‘Bag of Hearts’ gone down with fans so far?
I never expected that Bag of Hearts would be received as well as it was. It really proved to me that I have the most incredible fans. Even though some of them didn’t fully understand the lyrics, they still supported me, and for that, I’m truly grateful. I feel incredibly lucky to have such loyal fans.
Are you likely to be releasing an EP/Album later this year?
I have a project in the works that I will definitely be releasing sometime early next year. With the response Bag of Hearts has been getting from my long standing fans and also new fans just discovering me I want to give them every piece of me possible and show the many colours that make me BANA.
Do you prefer singing English or Kurdish songs for your fans?
If you’d asked me this question when I was 15, I would’ve said English without hesitation. But as I’ve grown, so has my love for Kurdish music. Now, I can proudly say I enjoy singing in Kurdish just as much as in English. Music transcends language—it’s about the feeling it brings. Personally, I listen to music from all over the world and appreciate it regardless of language. So, I love being diverse in my own music.
What is the music scene like in Kurdistan at the moment, would you say there’s more opportunities in the UK?
There’s definitely a music scene in Kurdistan, and there always has been. Even during times when the nation didn’t have a voice, our singers made sure to express that voice loud and clear. Singing, dancing, and coming together are deeply rooted in our culture.
That said, as an artist, I’ve always felt that I could reach beyond just my hometown. That’s why I decided to come to the UK and pursue my dream of reaching a broader audience, as an English artist who also proudly sings in Kurdish.
Would you say it’s difficult for women to become an artist in Kurdistan, is there still a lot to do for women’s rights there?
It can be difficult for women anywhere in the world to pursue their dreams. Sadly, there are challenges we face no matter where we are. However, history shows that Kurdistan is rich with strong, inspiring female leaders. Kurdish women have fought alongside men against oppression. I won’t say there’s no injustice—it exists everywhere—but there’s a lot of respect for women in Kurdistan. It’s a safe place for women to live, and there’s plenty of room for them to work alongside men in whatever field they choose.
If you could work with any artist on a new song, who would it be and why?
I would absolutely love to collaborate with Billie Eilish. I’m drawn to the raw emotion and vulnerability she pours into her music. I envision us creating a powerful ballad filled with a lot of riffs and runs with intricate harmonies as I love recording emotional songs and Billie is known for being able to move people with her voice perfectly.