Hela Melki is a highly acclaimed Tunisian singer who has made a significant impact on the Arabic music community. With her repertoire of original Tunisian songs, traditional Arabic music, Arabic pop, and fusion music, she has captivated audiences with her versatile talent. In addition to her original compositions, Hela has also performed cover songs by renowned classic singers such as Ismahan, Warda Al Jazairia, Om Kalthoum, Farid El Atrash, Abdelhalim Hafiz, and Mohamad Abdelwahab.
Growing up in a musically inclined family, Hela was exposed to a wide range of Middle Eastern and Western music from an early age. Her father, a keyboard player and singer proficient in English and French, greatly influenced her musical journey. Hela would often attend her father’s band rehearsals, where Western tunes predominantly filled the air. It was during this time that her exceptional singing talent began to shine.
Hela’s musical journey began in primary school, where she started showcasing her singing abilities in 1987. Her passion for music continued to flourish, leading her to join the high school musical team in 1993, where she sang throughout her scholarship. It was during this period that she participated in numerous local, national, and regional music competitions from 1998 to 2001, consistently achieving top-ranking positions and solidifying her position as a rising star.
Seeking to carve her own path, Hela embarked on the pursuit of producing original songs in collaboration with famous composers and music arrangers. Her debut original song, “Hokm Ezzaman,” was released in 2003, followed by “Nghir Alik” in 2005. These releases catapulted her career, enabling her to perform live across the Arab world and throughout Europe. In recognition of her contributions to the cultural landscape, Hela was honored with the Medal of Culture by the Minister of Culture in 2006.
Throughout her musical career, Hela remained devoted to showcasing her Tunisian identity while encompassing classical and contemporary genres of Arabic music. This dedication caught the attention of several Tunisian composers and musicians, leading to her introduction in 2007 to the esteemed Maestro Abdelhakim Belgaied, a prominent figure in the Tunisian music industry. Together, they recorded an album titled “Ghazelni,” which featured six songs and was released in 2009.
Continuing her collaborative endeavors, Hela joined forces with Kuwaiti composer Mohammed AlRowaished, resulting in the release of her single “Andak Garh” in 2014. Following an eight-year hiatus, Hela made a triumphant comeback in 2018 by participating in MBC’s “The Voice – Ahla Saut.” Out of over 100 participants, she emerged as one of the four finalists, captivating the hearts of millions of viewers throughout the Arab nations and worldwide. This remarkable feat elevated her popularity and garnered widespread attention, solidifying her position as an exceptional talent in the region.
Hela Melki’s journey as a Tunisian singer has been marked by her unwavering passion, unique voice, and dedication to preserving and promoting Arabic music. With her impressive range of musical styles and remarkable performances, she continues to captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the Arabic music community and beyond.