Shaharut, Israel
Desert Vibes

As a trio of harmonizing Israeli sisters who sing in the Yemeni Arabic dialect, A-WA certainly cross more than a few modern barriers with their music. To oversimplify geopolitics, the Arabic-speaking world is generally not receptive to cultural products from Israel and, at the same time, the Israeli audience is often hesitant to embrace music sung in Arabic. The divide is an old and stubborn one, but it’s something the sisters have set out to erode with their funky and stylish music—a mix that draws on ancient desert traditions and of-the-moment urban styles. The video for their first single, “Habib Galbi,” the title track o” A-WA’s full-length debut released this summer, has drawn admirers from all over the world. “Growing up in a small and isolated village in the desert has made us use our imagination and creativity all the time,” says Liron Haim. She says that as kids they sang with the wind, made up songs, drummed on pans and recorded their e”orts. The sisters absorbed the culture of their grandparents, who were Jews from Yemen—and, while visiting family in Gedera, they connected with the larger Yemenite community. The desert, DIY vibe comes through in A-WA’s music, particularly in the sisters’ close and agile harmonies, but it’s filtered through a vibrant club aesthetic, with pulsing beats and synths. “We believe in being authentic and true to ourselves,” says Liron. “We made a decision to sing old folk songs in the Yemeni Arabic dialect because we love it and feel strongly connected to it.” Her sister Tagel adds, “We drew a lot of inspiration from the simplicity and minimalism.” After successful trips to the U.S. this year, including a memorable stop at SXSW, the siblings are already thinking about their next record, which they hope will further broaden their audience. “We are very optimistic,” says Tagel, “and truly believe in the power of music to transcend conflicts and di”fferences.”