Interview: Layal
Layal is an Egyptian artist based in London, whose music serves as a form of self-expression above all else.
It’s how she documents her inner world—what she’s feeling, questioning, or holding onto. Rooted in the sounds of Cairo and shaped by a wide range of global influences, her work resists easy categorisation, blending instruments and genres in a way that feels instinctive rather than strategic.
She has performed at festivals like Wireless and Latitude, with support from BBC Introducing, Balamii, and Foundation FM.
Each release adds another layer to an evolving body of work that’s personal, intentional, and fully her own.
What inspires your music?
Absolutely everything, my life, my surroundings, the people I encounter, the situations I face, the music I listen to. Everything plays into it for me, there’s no separation. Every step I take is to refine my sound & my message.
Who are some of your influences?
Erykah Badu, Sade, Cheb Khaled, Naika, Olivia Dean, Jorja Smith, Jazz & Bossa Nova music, Gnawa Moroccan music, Egyptian folk music like Donia Massoud, Dina El Wedidi, Joy Crooks, Greentea Peng, Amy Winehouse. All play a big part in what my music sounds like
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
My favourite moments (which are a lot) are being out in London and seeing people who recognise me from my music, performing at Wireless festival, going to the studio, and working on music from scratch with a producer. Filming the "Lost In Translation" EP short film, which was also my EP release party. Earlier in my career, I was nominated for Youth Music’s Outstanding Act Award, and it was an honour to be invited to the event. Coming up with ideas for visuals. All of it!
Which of your projects do you love the most?
Aside from Fanana, of course, because that is my top favourite at the moment. I love Madina and Cosmic Greentea because even though they don’t sound anything alike, I feel so proud of the production & lyricism, and they came so naturally to me and feel so true to me
Who are some of the collaborators who helped you create your favorite works?
Favourite collaborators would be Gemo and Mimo because I felt that they really understood my vision and sound, and wanted to expand on it, as well as Ali Lasheen with SWANA records. These people help me push the boundaries further and become better, and have given me a safe space to do so
What are you most excited to bring to your fans next?
I’m so excited to continue building my world and immersing my listeners in it. I can’t wait for it to go from simple exchanges on social media to secret events and perks. I really want to give back and build something real, meet the people, and connect with them
What are your goals for this upcoming year?
My goal is to continue to follow my sound and get better at every step. To perform more and curate/design a set, bring my music to life with a band. Expand, improve, progress.
How can your fans and our readers best support you right now?
Supporting me looks like listening to my music, buying if you’re in a position that allows you to, following my journey, and being part of it. The more I get to know my listeners, the more they inspire the music I make.
