The First Spark: A 17-Year-Old’s Dream Begins
At just 17, Myrna Shalaby stood under the grand lights of the Cairo Opera House, her heart pounding as she prepared to sing a song by Warda El Jazairia, one of the most iconic voices in Arab music. That night was more than a performance; it was a turning point. The silence before her first note, the weight of standing where legends once stood—it all ignited a fire within her. She realized that music wasn’t just a passion; it was her calling.
Early Influences: A Home Filled with Melodies
Growing up in a household where classic Arabic songs played constantly, thanks to her father’s love for music, Myrna was immersed in melodies from a young age. Long nights spent listening to voices that moved her deeply laid the foundation for her musical journey. But it wasn’t until she felt the silence before her first note on stage that she truly understood the power of music and its ability to connect souls.
Breakthrough Moment: The Orange Egypt Medley
Myrna’s professional journey took an unexpected turn when she recorded a cover for Orange Egypt’s ad campaign, “Medley Orange.” What began as a creative opportunity quickly went viral, amassing over 5 million views and listens. This exposure introduced her voice to a massive audience and opened doors she hadn’t imagined.
Debut Single with Rotana: A Dream Realized
The success of “Medley Orange” led to one of Myrna’s most significant achievements: releasing her first original single, “Sababoh Eih El Regou3,” with Rotana, one of the most respected production companies in the Arab world. Collaborating with Rotana not only pushed her creatively but also validated her as an artist with something meaningful to say. This partnership marked a new chapter in her career, filled with promise and potential.
Building Her Unique Sound: Collaboration with Abdelrahman Bagato
Currently, Myrna is in an exciting phase of her journey, working closely with her manager, Abdelrahman Bagato, to produce original singles that reflect her unique voice and message. This collaboration is more than just about recording music; it’s about shaping her sound and building an identity as an artist.
Dream Collaboration: Sharing the Stage with Tamer Hosny
One of Myrna’s long-held dreams is to sing alongside Tamer Hosny, a superstar known for his storytelling and connection with audiences. For Myrna, sharing a song or stage with him would be more than a milestone; it would be a magical moment, a dream fulfilled, and a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Lessons Learned: Patience and Staying Grounded
Throughout her career, Myrna has learned the importance of patience and the strength it takes to stay grounded, especially when things don’t go as planned. She understands that true growth takes time and that not every opportunity will unfold as expected. These lessons have instilled in her a deeper respect for the journey and a commitment to authenticity.
A Vision for the Future: Becoming a Global Artist
Myrna dreams of becoming a worldwide professional female artist, someone whose voice transcends borders and languages, much like Angham has achieved. She aspires to be remembered not only for her songs but also for the way she carried herself—with heart, purpose, and resilience.
Message to Her Younger Self: Embrace the Journey
If Myrna could speak to her younger self, she would offer words of encouragement and wisdom:
“Be patient. Everything will come, just not all at once. Don’t rush the process; let it shape you. Don’t take failure personally. Every ‘no’ is redirection, not rejection. Keep your head up and your heart open. Believe in your voice, even when no one else does. Protect your passion. Not everyone will understand it, but that’s okay. You’re not doing this to please everyone; you’re doing it because it’s who you are. And most of all: You’re going to make it. Maybe not in the exact way you imagined, but in a way that’s real, meaningful, and yours.”
Connect with Myrna Shalaby
Myrna Shalaby’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From a young girl dreaming on the Cairo Opera House stage to a rising star with a global vision, she continues to inspire with her voice and her journey.
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