Sawsan Albahiti’s story begins in Jeddah, where music was not a common dream for young girls. But even as a child, Sawsan felt a deep connection to sound and expression. At just six years old, she picked up the guitar and started to explore her voice. Singing at home, she would entertain her family with pop and rock songs.
While many children her age dreamed of becoming doctors or teachers, Sawsan imagined a life on stage. She did not know it then, but she was already planting the seeds for something much bigger becoming the first professional Saudi opera singer.
A Journey Beyond Borders
As she grew older, Sawsan moved to the United Arab Emirates to study. During this time, she discovered opera almost by accident. she attended a choir ensemble course and as soon as she auditioned she discovered her potential as an opera singer as advised by the conductor and vocal coach at the time. After her first performance in university she knew this new found passion is meant to be a major part of her life.
Determined to pursue this new dream, she began rigorous training. She practiced almost every day, learning to sing in multiple languages like Italian, French, German, and English. While most Saudi women were not encouraged to pursue music publicly, Sawsan pushed forward.
She faced cultural challenges and countless obstacles, but she held onto her dream tightly. Her powerful, soulful voice began to attract attention from coaches and audiences alike, and her confidence grew with each performance.
Breaking Through in Saudi Arabia
Sawsan’s journey took a major turn when Saudi Arabia began opening up its cultural scene as part of Vision 2030. For the first time, music and art were being welcomed publicly, and local artists were encouraged to share their talents.
This was the moment she had been waiting for. In 2019, she made her first official public appearance in Saudi Arabia, performing the national anthem in opera style. This historic performance marked the beginning of a new chapter not only in her life but also in the cultural life of Saudi Arabia.
She became a symbol of hope and courage, showing other young Saudi artists that it was possible to follow their passion, no matter how unconventional.
A Global Stage, A Local Mission
After her breakthrough, Sawsan continued to grow both locally and internationally. She traveled to Italy to further train her voice and refine her operatic technique. She expanded her performance portfolio and performed in the first Saudi and first Arabic grand opera.
She even had the honor of singing alongside legendary artists and in grand events that celebrated cultural exchange — most notably singing with the world’s beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli in the Maraya theater in AlUla. While her voice impressed audiences abroad, her heart always remained dedicated to her homeland.
Her goal was not just personal fame. She wanted to pave the way for Saudi opera and support other artists who might be afraid to take the first step.
The Birth of The Soulful Voice
In 2018, Sawsan Albahiti founded The Soulful Voice, a vocal training institute in Jeddah. Through this institute, she started coaching aspiring singers of all ages, sharing the techniques she had learned over the years.
The Soulful Voice focuses on technical skills and emotional connection to music, encouraging students to find their unique sound and gain confidence. Sawsan Albahiti believes that every person has a story inside them, and music is one of the most powerful ways to express it.
Her institute has become a safe space for young Saudis to explore music in a country where the arts are still a growing field. She often says that each student she teaches is another voice added to a new and vibrant Saudi soundscape.
Living Her Passion Every Day
Today, Sawsan Albahiti is back to Jeddah after spending almost two years in Italy in a special opera training program. She is now focusing on establishing opera in Saudi and further introducing it to the audiences. She is also expanding The Soulful Voice to reach more singers in and outside Saudi Arabia.
She is working on a new operatic album that will blend classical opera with Arabic pop music. This project is close to her heart, as it symbolizes the bridge between East and West a true musical fusion that represents her identity.
In addition to performing and teaching, Sawsan Albahiti is also focusing on arts leadership. She dreams of managing major cultural programs in Saudi Arabia and building a strong foundation for future generations of artists.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sawsan’s story resonates with young Saudis who dream of following unconventional paths. Her success proves that with determination, hard work, and courage, barriers can be broken and new worlds can be created.
She often shares that the biggest challenge is not the technical part of singing but finding the strength to believe in oneself, especially in a society where art was once hidden behind closed doors.
By showing her vulnerability and sharing her struggles openly, she has become more than just an artist. She is a role model, a pioneer, and a voice for freedom of expression.
A Future Filled with Music
Looking ahead, Sawsan Albahiti has many exciting plans. She wants to see more Saudi operas produced and dreams of founding a national opera house in the Kingdom. Her dream is to make opera as loved and celebrated in Saudi Arabia as it is in Europe.
Through her performances, teaching, and advocacy, she continues to inspire both men and women to embrace their artistic passions. Sawsan believes that art can transform lives and create connections that go beyond language, religion, and culture.
For her, every note she sings is a message of hope, courage, and endless possibilities.
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