Walking together down the music lane, we’ve uncovered roots in Yemen, Turkey, and Greece, where Israeli talents seamlessly merge pop, rock, and electronic music. This fusion is the secret sauce of great Israeli musicians. The education and traditions preserved in Jewish homes for generations across the diaspora meet the new influences absorbed in Israel through radio stations, global music trends, and exposure to pop, rock, and electronic sounds.
In this podcast episode, Mark and Samantha reflect on the path we’ve walked so far in this Journey of Music Through Cultures. How often do we stop to think about the impact music has on our lives and what it represents in our culture? Fortis, Sakharof, and Ofra Haza’s music tell stories that transcend borders. It’s music that anyone, anywhere, can feel, even without understanding the words.
Berry Sakharof’s music takes us into unexpected places, blending rock with Turkish melodies that reflect a fascinating cultural exchange. His song BoomPam, performed in Greek, is a perfect match for Howard Stern’s audience, with its playful yet intricate sound fitting his eclectic taste.
Ofra Haza’s music carries the soul of Yemeni traditions into the modern world of pop. Her iconic Im Nin’Alu isn’t just a song; it’s a global anthem that deserves airtime on stations like iHeartRadio today more than ever. Her fusion of heritage and innovation has the power to inspire a whole new generation.
Here’s a challenge to radio stations across the U.S.: Take a chance! Play these artists on your shows. Fortis, Sakharof, and Haza have shown us that music doesn’t just cross borders; it breaks them down. You could be the leaders we desperately need, helping cultures and nations connect in a neutral and universal space.
Thank you for listening and subscribing to my show. Search for Berry Sakharof, Rami Fortis, or Ofra Haza on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, or any music app you use, and dive into their work. Share their music with your friends, and if you’re a musician, sample their songs into an electronic track or record your own version. Need help translating their lyrics? Write in the comments, and my team will gladly assist.
A big shout-out to all our podcast listeners across all platforms. The long list includes listeners from 27 U.S. states and 17 countries. Wow! A special thank-you to our dedicated followers from California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and beyond. To our international friends in the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Germany, France, India, Spain, South Africa, and Brazil – thank you for being part of this journey.
A heartfelt shout-out as well to our listeners from Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, as well as friends tuning in from Turkey, Greece, and beyond. Your support reflects the power of music to unite us across borders and backgrounds. Let’s keep the music alive and growing!
To read the series of stories about Ofra Haza, click the links:
To read the series of stories about Berry Sakharof and Rami Fortis, click the links:
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Liat
In this journey, I weave together episodes from my life with the rich tapestry of Israeli culture through music, food, arts, entrepreneurship, and more. I write over the weekends and evenings and publish these episodes as they unfold, almost like a live performance.
Each episode is part of a set focused on a specific topic, though sometimes I release standalone episodes. A set is released over several days to make it easier for you to read during your busy workday. If one episode catches your attention, make sure to read the entire set to get the whole picture. Although these episodes are released in sets, you can read the entire newsletter from the beginning, as it flows smoothly, like music to your ears – or, in this case, your eyes.