Mayssa Karaa

A Grammy-nominated, Lebanese American singer-songwriter, Mayssa Karaa B.M. '12 has performed internationally with a musical message that focuses on empowerment and overcoming adversity. She has appeared on soundtracks for Bollywood and Hollywood films, and in many ways embodies the spirit behind Berklee Abu Dhabi as she was raised in the Arab world and was able to discover and develop her talent at Berklee's Boston campus. 

Cinema audiences might identify the classically trained singer’s voice from American Hustle, which featured her Arabic version of the '60s classic “White Rabbit,” a standout track on the film's Grammy-nominated soundtrack. International families might identify her with “The Arabic Alphabet Song” from Sesame Street, which has generated more than 27 million YouTube views.

Karaa launched a campaign in support of her full-length English solo debut album and single “Call Me a Stranger” with a celebration at the historic Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The songs on this album range from piano-based simplicity to epic electronic orchestration with a unique blend of American pop and Middle Eastern influences.

Her song "Hayati" was featured in Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, one of the biggest movies in India. Produced by Oscar-winning Indian megastar A. R. Rahman, the song has become a major Bollywood hit. Karaa is working with Rahman on the score to his new film as well as on a collaboration with Berklee.