A voice emerging from the New York City world music scene, Smadar Levi is an Israeli-Moroccan singer whose craft is best described as pan-Mediterranean music peppered with a Romany sound. Smadar sings original and creative renditions of traditional tunes in Hebrew, Arabic, and Ladino.
Smadar’s life and musical 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.
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. In 2004, Smadar recorded her self-titled debut album Smadar to much underground buzz. 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).
In February 2006, the internationally renowned nonprofit organization Seeds of Peace honored Smadar with an award for “uniting cultures to achieve peace through music.” In performing for Seeds of Peace, Smadar joined a prestigious list of musicians, which includes: Cindy Lauper, Miri Ben-Ari, Hooti and Blowfish, Bare Naked ladies, and John Legend. Other organizations that Smadar has played for include The New Israel fund, Unabridged Voices, and The Interfaith Center Award Ceremony.
Discography:
Smadar (2004)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
