| Akiva Turgeman | |
| Native Name: | עקיבא תורג'מן |
| Native Name Lang: | he |
| Birth Date: | 23 July 1991 |
| Birth Place: | Dimona, Israel |
| Genre: | Pop, Soul music |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Spouse: | Tzurit Turgeman |
| Years Active: | 2017–present |
Akiva Turgeman, better known as Akiva (Hebrew: עקיבא תורג'מן; born 1991 in Dimona, Israel), is an Israeli musician.[1] He is the son of Rabbi David Turgeman, the head of the Gevoha Yeshiva, and comes from a family that played a significant role in the founding of Dimona.[2]
Growing up in Dimona, Akiva was exposed to a rich tapestry of musical influences, combining traditional Moroccan melodies with modern sounds. His musical education began at the Mizmor Music Academy, where he honed his singing and songwriting skills. He later served as a combat soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces Golani Brigade, an experience that enriched his artistic perspective.
In 2017 he released the album Worlds, produced by Nir Maimon. Music critic Netanel Leifer gave the album a positive review and wrote: "There are a lot of new artists with new albums. Some are good, some are a little less and some are excellent. One of them is Akiva, who released his debut album Worlds, a short and exciting rock album that manages to combine soul and emotion with stormy and penetrating rock.[3] Akiva is following the right path to become a sought after and appreciated singer, his new album gives a strong taste of more.[4]
In 2018 he released singles from his second album produced by Maor Shoshan titled Don't Give Up, Lech Lecha,[5] and Everything is Still Possible.
Akiva gained national fame with his hit single Don't Give Up, which reached first place in the official Galgalatz parade and seventh place in the station's annual Hebrew hymn parade in collaboration with the Ynet website.[6] This song, alongside others like Pshutim and Atah Holech Iti, showcased his ability to blend religious themes with contemporary music styles, a hallmark of his artistic identity.[7] [8] The single garnered 18 million views on YouTube. In June 2019, he was invited to Ishay Ribo's concert in Caesarea and the two performed Don't Give Up in a duet that garnered 6.6 million views on YouTube.[9]
In March 2020, he released the single Simple, which he wrote and composed with his wife. The single garnered 13 million views on YouTube[10] and peaked at number 24 on Galgalatz's annual Hebrew Hymn Parade and ynet.
In July 2020, singer Idan Raphael Habib released the single Shlemim, which was written and composed by Turgeman alongside Avi Ohayon and Matan Dror.[11] The song reached the top spots on many contests and charts, and accumulated a large number of streams and views on various platforms.
In March 2021, he released the single You Go With Me, which was composed and written by Akiva, Avi Ohayon, Natan Goshen and Matan Dror. The single garnered 5.8 million views on YouTube.[12]
In July 2021 he released the song Shalom Babayit, which he wrote and composed with the creative duo Dolly and Fen.[13]
In February 2022, he released the single and music video Yesh Becha Hakol, which he wrote for his son together with his wife and composed alone.[14] As of 2024, the single has amassed 16 million views on YouTube. and won the title of Song of the Year on the music charts of Kikar HaShabbat,[15] Kol Play Radio and Kol Berama Radio.[16]
Akiva also won the title of Singer of the Year in these three shows. In December, during the holiday of Hanukkah, Akiva appeared in Binyanei HaUmah.[17] Music critic Netanel Leifer was present at the event and gave it a positive review: "Akiva is an excellent vocalist with high and precise tones, a singer with a real and soulful soul, someone who pours his heart out on stage when he sings. Many singers sing with devotion, but I also believe in Akiva."[18]
In September 2022 he participated in the song Open Your Hands from the V'tein Chelkeinu project alongside Ishay Ribo, Moshe Peretz and Pe'er Tasi.
On August 8, 2023, he released the single Want to Wake Up.[19] The single reached number 79 on Hitlist.
In January 2024 he released the single Hold Strong.[20] In May 2024 he released the single Learn to Fly. The song reached number 90 on Hitlist.[21] On June 13, 2024 he released his third album A Thousand Locks.
As a performer, Akiva is recognized for his engaging live shows that create a deep emotional connection with his audience. He aims to express a wide array of human experiences through his music, touching on themes of love, faith, and personal struggle.
Akiva's musical style is characterized by a mix of traditional Jewish spiritual music, particularly piyutim, and Western musical influences such as rock. He describes his approach as a kibbutz galuyot reflecting the myriad cultural influences in his life.
He often utilizes traditional ethnic instruments in his songs, merging them with modern arrangements to enrich his sound. This combination showcases his connection to his Moroccan ancestry while also exhibiting a broad appreciation for various musical genres, including rock and folk music.
Akiva resides in Pardes Chana with his wife, Tzurit, and their five children. He values family life and seeks to maintain a balance between his career and personal responsibilities.[22] Turgeman is deeply introspective regarding his public persona, striving to remain grounded despite the pressures of fame. He often reflects on the necessity of mental health and prayer amidst the demands of his musical career.
Over a relatively short career, Akiva has resonated with a wide audience, achieving millions of views on his music videos and a loyal fanbase drawn from diverse backgrounds. His songs not only entertain but also provide comfort and inspiration, making him a significant figure in contemporary Israeli music.
His contributions to the Israeli music scene have positioned him as one of the significant new voices in religious-themed music, appealing to both religious and secular audiences alike. Akiva's work offers a unique perspective on Israeli culture, making him an essential artist of his generation.[23]