The Jew Spot

Written by Lauren Blumer

Smadar Levi is an Israeli-Moroccan singer who, with her band, produces Pan-Mediterranean/Gypsy music in Hebrew, Arabic and Ladino. She brings cultures together through her hip, lively and Middle-Eastern vibes to create a sense of passion for peace.

In February of 2006, Smadar received an award for Uniting Cultures to Achieve Peace Through Music by the non-profit organization, Seeds of Peace. During her interview with The Jew Spot, Smadar said, “I feel like I have found my home receiving the award, like I have made my mark. But, I couldn’t have done it without my band composed of Jews and Arabs. The award is as much theirs as it is mine.” Amazing. Read the entire interview with Smadar below.

I see that you are very passionate about the co-existence of Jews and Arabs. Beside growing up in Sderot, Israel, what is or are the reasons you are so passionate and focused on this idea of peace in your music?

Yes, it is more than just where I grew up, but how I grew up. My mother raised eight children in a very simple household. Yet, we were rich in culture, especially with respecting other cultures.

My mom would often have Arabic music playing in our home, and we often spoke Arabic as well. I grew up with the sense of seeing unity, rather than separation. I was always taught to love, not hate, and that it was OK for Israelis and Arabs to speak to one another.

Do you feel by being a Jewish female artist you are changing the face of the Jewish music industry, perhaps even serving as an inspiration and setting a trend to young Jewish females to get involved?

I believe that if someone has a message, regardless of their sex, it should be heard. Even though the industry in America is male- dominated, I get a lot of appreciation for what I do. I was able to compose my own band, which consists of Israeli, Arab and Turkish musicians. I am very proud of what I have accomplished, and do wish there were more women to represent music in a real, genuine way.

I noticed many of your melodies come off as being very sensual, particularly in the song entitled, “Mama.” Why did you decide to portray the melodies and lyrics in that tone?

I wrote “Mama” for my mom who I feel very close to. I was really missing my family in Israel and I was torn if I should go back there or continue to live in New York. I wrote the song in Arabic and I composed the melody of how I felt; a deep sense of longing. I do get a lot of praise for its sensuality. The song is about longing for someone you love and missing them deeply.

Most of the songs on your album contain lyrics in Hebrew, Arabic and Ladino. Do you ever see yourself recording lyrics in English to reach out to other types of audiences?

I like to sing in English, but it’s not my top priority. I’d rather leave it up to the rest who do it already. I feel the need to spread cultures that people do not know much about. I want to unite the Middle East by coming together through languages. Also, even if you don’t understand the languages, I want you to understand my message.

What is your main message that you are trying to send throughout your songs?

Messages of peace. That there is a solution to every problem and that is it important to empower the people who believe there are two states in one place. It is possible that we can enjoy what the Palestinians have to offer and they can enjoy what Israelis have to offer as well. People need to come together and stay away from stigma and violence.


To learn more about Smadar Levi go to: http://smadarlevi.com/ and http://cdbaby.com/cd/smadar.