Beni Safrouf's Musical Journey Explored in "Black Gold" Series
The sixth episode of the acclaimed Israeli series "Black Gold" delves into the careers of rappers Ravid Plotnik and Tony (Itai Zevulun), exploring their personal journeys and creative struggles before achieving success. The episode highlights how Plotnik found inspiration in the works of Israeli music legends like Ehud Banai, Shalom Hanoch, and particularly Beni Safrouf, whose music served as a reminder to connect with his Israeli roots and find answers within himself.
This episode arrives shortly before the surprise release of Safrouf's new album, "Sullam Ha'Ahava" (Ladder of Love), his first solo album in 15 years. Despite his infrequent solo releases, Safrouf has maintained a significant presence in Israeli music, consistently ranking among the most played artists on radio and boasting hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify. His influence extends beyond album sales, deeply impacting Israeli culture.
Known for being a reclusive interviewee, Safrouf's new album announcement was understated, made during a performance in Tel Aviv. The article recounts a rare interview from 2023 on the podcast "Lishro'er Et Ha'Dov" (Free the Bear), where Safrouf advised comedian Dov Navon to take a role in the satirical show "Eretz Nehederet," emphasizing the importance of seizing new opportunities for financial and personal growth. This philosophy appears to have guided Safrouf himself, leading to numerous collaborations across diverse musical genres and artists, from traditional Mizrahi and religious music to electronic and hip-hop.
Since the October 7th attacks, Safrouf has strengthened his connection to Israel, performing for soldiers and families affected by the conflict. His new album, "Sullam Ha'Ahava," features collaborations and is dedicated to healing and recovery for the nation. The album's cover is a self-portrait of fallen soldier Idan Rosenthal. The article concludes by reflecting on Safrouf's enduring connection to Israel, noting his evolution from a young musician dreaming of international fame to an artist deeply rooted in his homeland, embracing his identity and place at nearly 70 years old.
