At just 17, Célinedee Matahari is already making waves in the global music scene. Her soulful voice, multilingual talent, and heartfelt songwriting have not only won her fans across continents but also the attention of one of the world’s most revered music composers—A.R. Rahman. We caught up with Celinedee to talk about her musical roots, her journey to the stage of the Etihad Arena, and her vision for the future.
A Moment of a Lifetime: Singing with A.R. Rahman
To perform alongside A.R. Rahman is a dream for many. For Celinedee, that dream came true in front of 18,000 people at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
“I feel very privileged to have been discovered by the great AR Rahman. When I was performing, I was mainly focused on my performance, so the realization only hit me once I got off stage. It felt surreal, and I couldn’t believe that I had just sung with him.”
That surreal moment was more than just a performance—it was a milestone for a young artist whose musical journey began long before the spotlight found her.
The Early Years: From Ballet Slippers to Strings
Celinedee’s love for performing sparked at the age of four when her mother enrolled her in ballet. That early exposure to the stage helped her discover her passion for connecting with an audience. By the age of eight, music became a central part of her life.
“It first started with the piano, then I eventually learned the ukulele and guitar. Performing became a way for me to express myself and share my energy with people.”
Singing Across Cultures: A Voice in 19 Languages
One of the most extraordinary aspects of Celinedee’s artistry is her ability to sing fluently in 19 different languages. It started as a hobby at age five but grew into something far more meaningful.
“As I grew older, I added more and more languages. Reaching out and connecting to different cultures, audiences and nationalities; conveying emotions through the beauty of music became my passion and challenge.”
When asked if there’s a language she still dreams of exploring, she smiles and says, “Malay.” As far as her French is concerned, Celinedee already received an incredible endorsement when Celine Dion herself reposted her acoustic cover of ‘L’hymne à l’amour’ on her Instagram account.
Songwriting from the Heart
Among her original works, one song stands out as especially personal: “The Heartache”, written during the pandemic after losing both her grandmothers.
“So many people around the world were losing loved ones during COVID. This song was my way of sharing that feeling, of connecting through grief and love.”
Whether her songs stem from sorrow or joy, Celinedee approaches songwriting organically—sometimes starting with lyrics, other times with melody. In fact, Shania Twain called ‘Stay’, another of her originals, ‘fabulous’ during a one-on-one audition in Abu Dhabi.
Strings That Shape Her Sound
Her guitar and ukulele are more than instruments—they are collaborators in the creative process.
“Whenever I want to write a new song, the first thing I do is grab my guitar. And when I perform with my ukulele, it adds a nice reggae twist. The guitar gives my songs a pop or country vibe.”
Music That Unites
For Celinedee, music is more than just sound—it’s a universal language.
“I hope people can relate to my songs and feel connected with the lyrics. Music unites people whatever the language I perform in, which is the most beautiful thing.”
Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or a fun, upbeat anthem, her goal remains the same: connection.
What’s Next: From Books to the Stage
Fans have a lot to look forward to. She’s set to release two songs inspired by the book “Viktory” by Surendar Balakrishnan, which follows the story of a fictional cricket prodigy. And perhaps even more exciting—there’s a new album in the works and a dream of performing in India.
“The fans in India have been so supportive, and I can’t wait to meet them!”
Celinedee Matahari is more than just a singer—she’s a storyteller, a cultural bridge, and a true artist in the making. From a ballet stage at four to an arena filled with thousands, her journey has just begun. And with every lyric, language, and live performance, she continues to show the world that music truly knows no borders.
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