Mizrachi music

Israel is developing its very own sound, blending the many different styles of its inhabitants. While the Israeli popscene was strongly influenced by UK and US charts in the 60s and 70s with 70 percent of music sales going to Western groups, now more Israeli artists are writing original music and sales of home-grown albums equal international imports.

Mizrachi music is becoming the unique sound of Israel. Imported by the Jews of North Africa and countries like Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, who fled to Israel during the early days of the state, it mixes traditional Arabic elements with Western ones. Click here for some good cd's.

Until the 1970s, this was considered underdog music. Mainstream record companies rarely produced it. If you wanted to buy Mizrachi music, you had to get it on the underground Mizrachi music market near the old central bus station of Tel Aviv. Today, Mizrachi culture is no longer second class; it is the cutting edge. It has changed the style of Israel — probably loosened it up some, given it more soul.

Some of Israel’s most popular artists are Mizrachi, though national fame wasn't always easy to handle for men who grew up in poor neighbourhoods. Zohar Argov (picture) was the Elvis of Mizrachi music. He became extremely popular in the 70s and 80s, but committed suicide when he was imprisoned for drug possession. He still remains an icon for many Mizrachi singers.

Today there is already a Mizrachi music 'establishment'. Rita performed in London at a big Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, Eyal Golan and Sarit Hadad have performed abroad  many times.