Ofra Haza

Israel, 1979–2000

Israeli singer (1957–2000), 'the Madonna of the East', raised in the Yemenite-Jewish musical tradition. Her 1988 international hit 'Im Nin'alu' fused ancient Yemenite liturgical song with modern dance-pop, making her a defining voice of world music — later sampled across hip-hop and dance.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Ofra Haza and 0 artists Ofra Haza influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Ofra Haza?

• The Beatles — Alongside the Yemenite tradition she was raised in, Haza grew up on 1960s pop — the Beatles among her formative Western influences — which she fused with ancient Jewish song.
• Elvis Presley — Elvis Presley was among the Western pop artists Haza absorbed growing up, feeding the modern pop side of her East-meets-West sound.