Ciarae, the talented young artist from Paphos, is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to pursuing her dreams. At just 15 years old, Ciara Economopoulos has already made waves in the music industry, representing Cyprus at the prestigious Sanremo Junior World Finals 2026. Performing on the iconic Teatro Ariston stage in Italy was a significant milestone, one that many aspiring artists can only dream of achieving.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- Follow Ciarae’s journey on Instagram @Ciarae.official and TikTok @Ciarae.e.
- Check out her channel on YouTube: Ciarae Official.
Ciarae: A Passion that Transcends Age
For Ciarae, music is more than just a passion—it’s her purpose and the path she is determined to follow. “I’ve always loved performing, ever since I was little,” she shares. “Last year was when I realised this is all I want to do and I started taking it very seriously.” This pivotal moment has transformed her life, leading her from small local performances to international stages.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Gratitude for Every Step
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Ciarae remains grounded, expressing gratitude for every opportunity that comes her way. “It’s really all about the journey,” she explains. “From doing small performances to standing on the Teatro Ariston stage in Italy, these are all steps that I’m taking in my life that I’m grateful for.” Her humility shines through as she reflects on her experiences.
The Power of Songwriting
Alongside her love for performing, Ciarae has discovered the importance of songwriting. Her debut single, This, That, marks a pivotal moment in her career, conveying a deeply personal story inspired by her own challenges. “It may be hard to believe, but even at my age I’ve been judged, told I’m not good enough and brought down by people many times,” she reveals. “This song is for anyone going through the same thing. I want them to know they are enough.”
Turning Negativity into Creativity
Instead of allowing negativity to hinder her, Ciarae channels her experiences into her music. “All the negativity I’ve gotten over the past few months made a beautiful song, and their experiences can make something beautiful too,” she states. Her message resonates with resilience and self-belief, showcasing the power of turning difficult moments into meaningful expressions through song.
Music with Heart
Ciarae’s approach to songwriting is deeply personal. “My songs are made from a story,” she explains. “They are close to my heart. They’re not songs just to hear, they’re songs to feel.” This heartfelt connection is what makes her music stand out, allowing listeners to engage with her work on a profound level.
Balancing Life and Ambition
Despite her growing profile and commitments, Ciarae manages to maintain a balance between her music career, school, and friendships. When asked how she juggles it all, she laughs, “I have no idea! I just do a bit of this, a bit of that, and somehow, I get everything done.” This lightheartedness reflects her youthful spirit while highlighting her determination to succeed.
The Introverted Artist
Interestingly, Ciarae reveals another side to her personality that may surprise her fans. “I’m an introvert,” she admits. “I don’t like being around too many people or going out so much. I prefer to write songs and listen to music.” This introspective nature perhaps informs the thoughtfulness behind her music and her commitment to staying true to herself.
Everyday Joys and Inspirations
When she’s not performing or writing, Ciarae enjoys the simple pleasures in life: homemade granola with Greek yoghurt and honey, matcha, long walks outdoors, stretching, spending time with friends, and snacking on her favourite green apples. She draws inspiration from artists such as Tems, Young Miko, and SZA, while her love for storytelling extends beyond music to books and films, including her favourite scene from Wicked, where Glinda and Elphaba meet for the first time.
Memorable Milestones
One of Ciarae’s proudest moments has been releasing her original song. “Releasing my first song will always be a moment in my life I’ll never forget—the stress and anxiety mixed with the excitement,” she reflects. This experience has further fuelled her passion for music and storytelling.
Looking Towards the Future
As Ciarae looks ahead, her ambitions remain rooted in her love for music. “I really hope I’m doing what I love and making music that a lot of people love too,” she shares. Her perspective reflects a maturity beyond her years, understanding that fear and setbacks are part of life but refusing to let them define her. “Every day we have fears and things that make us want to hold back,” she says. “But it’s important not to let fear get in the way and to see it as only an obstacle and not a dead end.”
A Star on the Rise
With a growing fan base, an international performance already under her belt, and a passion for storytelling through music, Ciarae is undoubtedly one of Cyprus’ most exciting young artists to watch. As she continues to evolve both personally and professionally, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of her remarkable journey.
Follow Ciarae’s journey on Instagram @Ciarae.official and TikTok @Ciarae.e.
Check out her channel on YouTube: Ciarae Official.
