The Rising Star with a Rich and Vibrant Cultural Mosaic
At just 16 years old, Célinedee Matahari is captivating audiences as a singer-songwriter, blending her exceptional talent with a compelling multicultural background. Born in Dubai to a French father and an Indonesian mother, Célinedee’s diverse heritage significantly influences her identity and artistry. Her journey is a testament to creativity, ambition, and the profound impact of embracing one’s cultural roots.
Raised in a multicultural household, Célinedee experiences a harmonious fusion of traditions. “We celebrate Christmas with snails and enjoy Indonesian cuisine almost every day,” she shares, highlighting the unique blend of her upbringing. Her favourite dishes include rendang and nasi goreng, though choosing a single favourite proves a challenge.
Living in Dubai, a global crossroads, adds further depth to her cultural tapestry. She often indulges in Asian cuisine from Wok Boys, a Deliveroo kitchen that reminds her of home, celebrating the richness of her heritage through food and experiences.
Célinedee’s artistic identity is shaped by a variety of influences, which shine through in her vibrant and visually striking online presence. She finds inspiration in Olivia Rodrigo’s boldness and authenticity, admiring her ability to stay true to herself. While Célinedee’s music leans towards the narrative-driven style of Taylor Swift, her aesthetic draws heavily from Rodrigo’s playful and colourful approach.
She also cites artists like Beabadoobee, whose raw authenticity encourages her to embrace her individuality. This blend of influences creates a sound and persona that resonate strongly with a global audience.
Célinedee’s songwriting begins with a spark of inspiration, whether from stories she’s heard, films she’s seen, or experiences she’s encountered. With a notebook in hand, she drafts lyrics before picking up her guitar or ukulele to develop melodies. “It usually takes a couple of days to finalise the lyrics and melody before recording it in my home studio,” she explains.
Although her home studio provides a comfortable creative space, she recently had the opportunity to record professionally at the prestigious Firdaus Studio in Expo City, Dubai. The experience was a significant milestone, marking a new chapter in her artistic growth.
One of Célinedee’s most unforgettable moments came when she seized the chance to sing Vande Mataram to legendary composer AR Rahman through his car window during a film event in January. The impromptu performance went viral after Rahman and his daughter shared the clip on Instagram and TikTok, amassing millions of views.
This serendipitous encounter led to a dreamlike opportunity: a duet with Rahman at a sold-out concert in the Etihad Arena in November. Performing in front of 18,000 people alongside the maestro was an experience Célinedee describes as “surreal” and a defining moment in her burgeoning career.
2024 has been a breakthrough year for Célinedee, marked by notable performances and recognition. She had the honour of singing the UAE national anthem at a diplomatic event, an experience she found both exhilarating and humbling.
Global superstar Celine Dion also acknowledged her talent, sharing Célinedee’s moving rendition of L’Hymne à l’Amour on social media. This gesture further validated Célinedee’s growing influence as a young artist with universal appeal.
In addition to her musical achievements, Célinedee ventured into a unique project: creating two original songs for Viktory and the author Surendar Balakrishnan about a cricket prodigy. Writing music for a literary work presented an exciting challenge and added another creative dimension to her portfolio. The music is set for release soon, offering fans a glimpse into this distinctive collaboration.
Célinedee has ambitious goals for the future. Topping her wish list is a collaboration with AR Rahman, while a potential tour in India also excites her. “The support from Indian fans is unbelievable. I’d love to perform in Chennai or other cities,” she shares, reflecting on the warmth she’s received from audiences abroad.
Musically, she gravitates towards pop and indie pop, favouring tracks that build to dramatic and emotionally charged crescendos. Her mission is to create music that resonates deeply with listeners while maintaining her artistic authenticity.
As she continues to grow and explore new horizons, Célinedee remains a beacon of creativity, bringing authenticity, vibrancy, and passion to everything she does. With a bright future ahead, this young talent is undoubtedly one to watch.
