Born in France in 1995, Sarah Smahane was raised by her immigrant Moroccan parents in a small, quiet, suburban town in France.
Her artist name is not insignificant. "Smahane" is a middle name given to her by her late paternal grandfather for his love of the so-called Golden Age of Arabic music (Abdelhalim El Hafiz, Farid El Atrach, Fairuz, Oum Kelthoum, etc.), including the poetic songs of the Syrian singer "Asmahan."

Growing up among plural cultures and influences made her question her identity throughout her upbringing. During her childhood, she developed her interest in art with a local artist for seven years. She studied art and design in Paris and then worked for high-end Parisian design agencies, for clients in the MENA region alongside North African, Middle Eastern, and Western craftspeople. This is where she rediscovered her affection for her French, Moroccan, Amazigh, Arab, and Muslim heritage.

This text was translated from French and adapted here by Dalia Hashim.