Merna
Born Merna Bishouty and formerly known by the stage name Ayah, Merna is a Palestinian-Canadian singer, songwriter and producer based in Toronto. Her early years were deeply shaped by mobility: born in Jordan and raised between the Middle East, Seattle and eventually Canada, she absorbed a wide array of musical influences and started performing as a child. Under the name Ayah, she collaborated with producers including DJ Jazzy Jeff and released the single Xmas Time, labelled by NPR as a “modern soulful approach” to the holiday standard. In 2015, she re-launched her solo career under her birth name Merna with the album The Calling, a record noted for its deeply personal perspective and blends of Arab, African and Western soul rhythms. She released her latest project, Ours to keep, led by the single Magic, in september 2025. Beyond her own artistry, Merna has an established track record as a songwriter and producer, writing for major artists across R&B, hip-hop and pop. Her music stands out for its emotional depth, cultural breadth and fusion of styles, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary soul with an international outlook.