10 July 2013

10 July 2013 - Ofra Haza - Galbi

Ofra Haza had a nearly perfect voice - a mezzo-soprano, for those who are musically inclined. She is to this day one of the most sampled artists in history.

Her voice is most associated in this country with the M/A/R/R/S song "Pump Up The Volume".  But, as an international superstar, she had her own songs, too.  Here is one of her biggest hits.  As it typical with her music, it combines traditional Hebrew and Yemeni - reflecting her culture - and modern (at least to the late 1980's) elements.

Sadly, her voice was snuffed out too soon, a victim of AIDS.  Because she was (culturally) embarrassed, she delayed getting tested and treated for the disease.  But, thanks to her death, which was controversially publicized by Israeli news, Middle Easterns get tested more now.  It's not worth her death, but it is a positive to the loss of someone who so publicly promoted her culture.

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