Monday, 6 October 2014

Coke Studio Middle East with Diana Yukawa

Coke Studio returns to the Middle East for a third season on MBC and will features artists including, Maya Diab, Jason Derulo, Asala Nasri, Nile Rodgers and Diana Yukawa.


Episode three of Coke Studios’ TV series centres around the collaborative journey between Diana Yukawa, Songwriter and Violinist and Jadal, a Jordanian Arabic Rock band, resulting in a special “fusion” track arranged and performed by both artists.


The TV series, in partnership with Universal Music MENA and MBC Group, is a unique cultural experience where Arab Superstars and major international Artists push boundaries creating original fusion music.

Unlike most other Coke Studio episodes, Diana’s episode was filmed on location in and around Amman, Jordan – the home town of Jadal. - “I'm fortunate enough to have visited many different places in the Middle East, but Jordan is somewhere I've always wanted to go so when this opportunity arose, I was really happy!” comments Diana.

The episode features the fusion track as well as an exclusive performance of one of Diana’s own new solo tracks, destined for her next album.


Diana comments “I feel very strongly about different cultures coming together. Not only cultures but musical genres also. I think that the Coke Studio show represents something very important. It doesn't matter who we are or where we're from, but what we do with different people to come together, be united and create something positive to move forward with. Music is a wonderful and powerful way to do this, because music is a universal language that can be understood and felt by anybody.”

Headed by Mahmoud Radaideh, Jadal are one of the first Arabic rock bands in the region, starting their journey with their cover “Kol Ma Gool Al-Tobah” for the legendary Egyptian artist Abdel Halim Hafez in Jadal’s Arabic Rock style.

“Throwing people in a situation where they have to creatively work together when they've never met is a risky thing! However I think this was a risk worth taking because I'm really happy with what Jadal and I created together. Mahmoud and the rest of Jadal are really lovely” comments Diana.

Season 3 features captivating fusion collaborations between the most diverse group of artists yet; Kool & The Gang and Asala Nasri Tom Novy and Shatha Hassoun;; Diana Yukawa and JadaL Band; Jason Derulo and Maya Diab; Nile Rodgers and Mashrou3 Leila; Sandy Möllin and Black R and David Penn and Balqees Fathi.

All of these chart busting tracks, including Diana and Jadals’ are expertly produced by internationally acclaimed music producer Hadi Sharara, who returns to enable the artists to create excellence. Coke Studio Fusion Series 3 Album is available to pre-order now on Anghami and itunes: www.itunes.com/cokestudio.

“Even though Hadi wasn't in Jordan with us, his input was just as important as ours – he really is a great talent. I really enjoyed myself, meeting and working with new people in a beautiful country” says Diana.

Patrick Boulos, CEO of Universal Music MENA commented that: “It is an honour to once again join forces with Coca-Cola and MBC to bridge cultural barriers and create ground-breaking original songs with so many artists from all over the world joining together. This season has produced some truly breath-taking songs with a level of creativity that is constantly elevated, some of which are utterly inspiring, emotional and surprising.”

Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Middle East said: “We are so pleased with how Coke Studio has developed this Season. It truly epitomizes Coca-Cola values of unity, happiness and refreshing experiences, as various cultures and traditions are celebrated.”

Coke Studio launched in the Middle East in 2011, and this year is presented by Saudi Hamza Iskandar and Lebanese beauty Cynthia Khalifeh.
Diana’s episode, aired on MBC 4 on 26th September 2014.

Diana concludes “I'm so happy a show like this exists because it stands for something beautiful that I really believe in… It was a real pleasure to be a part of this fusion, something I will always look back on with happy memories.”

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Diana Performs at Japan Matsuri 2014


The much-loved Japan Matsuri returned to London on Saturday 27th September at Trafalgar Square in the centre of London.

This dynamic annual event brings people together to enjoy Japanese food, music, dance, family activities and much, much more.


The Matsuri kicked off at 11 am with performance on the main stage at various times throughout the day. Diana was invited to perform as a special guest at 6:30pm, for an 30min set, together with her Producer and music collaborator, Tom Ingleby.


Diana's performance featured the latest music destined for her next album, including the track "Islands" that the day before premiered on the Coke Studio TV show starring Diana in Middle East.
Japan Matsuri is organized by Japan Matsuri Ltd., comprising the Japan Association in the UK, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK, the Japan Society and the Nippon Club, and supported by the Embassy of Japan.

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Wilderness and Latitude 2014 Summer Spectacular

This summer saw Diana Yukawa and her band take the stage at Latitude Festival in July and a few weeks later at Wilderness Festival - receiving great acclaim from both audiences at the highly regarded UK festivals.


Diana was overwhelmed with the response from the festival goers. “it’s one thing to spend months writing the music that you are passionate about, but to perform it and get a great response as we did at Latitude and Wilderness Festival, makes it all worthwhile as this is all I do it for – to connect with people”.


Attendees of both festivals were treated to a world’s first performance of the new music by Diana, songwriter and violinist. Diana co-wrote a majority of the music with the greatly talented producer Tom Ingleby – who also performed at the festivals with Diana, taking the helm at the Keyboard & laptop.

Diana comments “Tom is exceptionally talented and we both clicked together on the music well over a year ago – we are both extremely proud of what we have created and now simply want to share it with everyone”.


Diana’s next album featuring this new music is anticipated to be released in 2015.

Now in its ninth year and with a capacity of 35,000 people, Latitude Festival hasn't stopped it carving out its own place on the festival timetable. While a handful of music events have stumbled and fallen in the past few years, Latitude continues to develop a healthy reputation as one of Britain's most relaxed festival. It's idyllic England with the added eccentricity of woodland raves, stand-up comedy and multi-coloured sheep.

Wilderness, the festival of musicianship, theatre, talks, panel debates, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and food experiences returned for a fourth year to Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. The 10,000 capacity festival took place from Thursday 7th until Sunday 10th August 2014 and offered inclusive and a wide range of entertainment and activities that make the most of the most beautiful, unique natural setting.

Both are exceptional festivals that truly champion great, innovative music – both perfect stages for Diana to unveil her new music.

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook