Yemenite Artist Reclaims Roots, Blends Rock with Tradition

Eyal Wahab, an Israeli artist based in Berlin, is forging a unique musical path by merging traditional Yemenite music with influences from 70s and 90s rock. His artistic philosophy centers on upcycling, as he creates his own instruments from reclaimed materials.

Wahab leads the Takzina ensemble, set to perform at the Hullegeb Israeli-Ethiopian Arts Festival. The festival, held from June 23-25, provides a platform for artists of Ethiopian roots. Takzina will perform on June 24 in Jerusalem.

His journey back to his Yemenite heritage began in his early thirties, after an initial period of distancing himself from it in his youth. This reconnection allows him to infuse his performances with a modern sensibility while honoring his ancestral music.

Takzina, formed in February 2022, has navigated challenges including significant gig cancellations following events in October 2023. Despite these obstacles, Wahab highlights the positive, apolitical connections he fosters with audiences worldwide.

He notes that the animosity he sometimes encounters comes from younger, less informed individuals, contrasting sharply with the warm reception and support he receives from Muslim and Arab communities, who often share meals and embrace him after performances.

Wahab emphasizes the deep cultural and musical ties between Yemen and Ethiopia, making his participation in the Hullegeb festival a fitting cultural exchange. The festival itself celebrates a wide array of Ethiopian and other cultural expressions.