Music
Press
Daughter of Sderot
Middle Eastern voice for peace emerges
By Roi Ben-Yehuda
Special to The Epoch Times Jul 28, 2006
Smadar Levi, a singer dedicated to creating harmony from Jewish and Muslim cultures, performs at the Seeds of Peace concert. (www.smadarlevi.com)Amidst the recent tensions in the Middle East, a voice for peace and unity has emerged. No, it is not the voice of a political leader, nor is it the voice of a grassroots movement; rather it is the euphonious and haunting voice of singer Smadar Levi.
A daughter of Sderot, the Israeli town adjacent to Gaza that is at the center of the conflict in the region, Smadar has dedicated her musical career to recapturing and modernizing the spirit of what historians have called Convivencia: the coexistence and interchange of Jewish and Muslim cultures.
Smadar's music is best described by her as "rhythmic Mediterranean music peppered with a gypsy sound." A polyglot herself, Smadar sings in Arabic (Tunisian, Moroccan and Egyptian), Hebrew, Greek, Spanish and Ladino (Judo-Spanish). Her music is a blend of original and modern renditions of traditional songs.
- Epoch Times
Discography
THE SPY FROM CAIRO-ZEB - review
03. 'SPACEWALK' Sample
09. 'INTERNATIONAL (Vocal hooks by Smadar Levi)' Sample
Think Global: Bellydance-Ghli Ya Bouy - smadar levi
Buddha Lounge CD-Mama, Uk release
Tango Lounge- Tatuedo, Uk Realese
Photos
Bio
Smadar musical and life journey began in Sderot, Israel: A small town adjacent to Gaza, which has produced notable musical talents such as Shlomo Bar, Kobi Oz, and the band Sfataim. It was at home that Smadar was first exposed to the beauty and grandeur of Arabic culture. Some of her earliest memories include dancing to the pulse of the darbuka, and singing in Arabic in front of her family.
After her Army service in Israel, Smadar traveled around the world, picking up sounds and studying with various musicians. In 2000, she began working on her own project in New York City. This project consisted of an all-star international band, which included Israeli, Turkish and Arab musicians. The goal of this project was to create a Mediterranean artistic expression which transcended all national and religious boundaries.
In 2004, Smadar recorded her self-titled debut album Smadar to much underground buzz. The CD featured both traditional and original scores. The work was produced by Shai Bacher (Ishtar and Greg Wall), and Tamir Muscat from the band Balkan Beatbox. Two songs from the album have been recently selected to be featured on international compilations. The first song, "Ghali Ya Bouy", is featured on the compilation Think Global: Bellydance (World Music Network). While the second song, "Mama", is featured on the forthcoming Beginners Guide to Buddha Lounge (Nascente Label).
Links
