Elkana Marziano Explained

Elkana Marziano (Hebrew: אלקנה מרציאנו) is an Israeli singer of Moroccan-Jewish ancestry. He was the winner of season 3 of The Voice Israel.

Collaborations

Marziano is known for his collaborations with international Arab artists, often stirring controversy:

In February 2021, he released "J'en ai marre" alongside Moroccan singer Sanaa Mohamed, sung in both Hebrew and Arabic. Mohamed subsequently received death threats and had to cancel interviews with Israeli channels. Marziano responded by stressing his Moroccan roots, as well as the values of peace and coexistence, and stating his dream is to sing for the Moroccan king.^{[1] [2] [3]}

In September 2020, Emirati singer Walid Al Jassim released "Ahlan Beik" (Hello You) featuring Elkana Martziano, celebrating the signing of the Abraham Accords. The track, sung in Hebrew, Arabic and English, was written by Israeli hit-makers Doron Medalie and Henree and conveys a message of peace between the two countries. The music video was shot in both Israel and in Dubai and garnered over a million views on YouTube.^{[4] [5]} The duet received praise in Israel, but was widely criticized in the Emirates.^{[6] [7] [8]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: L'observateur. 2021-02-09. Le chanteur israélien Elkana Marziano : "Je rêve de chanter pour le Roi" (vidéo). 2021-09-21. LobservateurDuMaroc. FR.
2. Web site: Moroccan singer arrested in Kuwait following release of duet with Israeli artist. 2021-09-21. israelhayom.com.
3. Web site: Moroccan singer receives death threats over song with Israeli artist. 2021-09-21. The Times of Israel. en-US.
4. Web site: AFP . 'Hello you': Joint Israeli-UAE song becomes a YouTube hit . 2021-09-17 . The Times of Israel . en-US.
5. Web site: 2020-10-06 . In first, Israeli and Emirati singers release duet . 2021-09-17 . Jewish Ledger . en-US.
6. Web site: 2020-09-30. In first, Israeli and Emirati singers release duet. 2021-09-17. JNS.org. en-US.
7. Web site: 2020-10-07. 'My friend far away': UAE, Israel singers unite for song in first music collaboration. 2021-09-17. Al Arabiya English. en.
8. Web site: Elkana Marziano. 2021-09-21. Al Bawaba. en.