EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — You might recognize some of the big names nominated for the 2026 Grammy Awards, but one of this year’s contenders has roots right here in El Paso.
Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Amanda Ekery is reaching the stars as her latest album, “Árabe,” was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Album Notes” category.
Ekery is half-Syrian, half-Mexican, and was born in El Paso. However, she moved to New York in 2018 to make her way into the jazz world.
Ekery is also the founder of El Paso Jazz Girls, a local nonprofit organization that teaches young girl musicians to write and perform their own original music.
Her latest album was inspired by her Syrian and Mexican roots coexisting, Amanda told KTSM 9 News.
What is interesting about this album is how complete and well-thought it is. It has 12 songs with different topics surrounding the main idea. However, each song comes with its “own essay,” narrating the story or inspiration behind each track, which are compiled in a book.
Over 60 pages capture the five years Ekery spent researching for this unique album to capture the beauty of each track.
Ekery’s hard work has paid off, as this nomination is another step in her successful career.
You can learn more about this local artist and her album here. The album is also available on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, among others.
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