Riff Cohen's Turkish Career Interrupted by Geopolitics, Artist Remains Optimistic
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israeli musician Riff Cohen's successful career in Turkey was abruptly canceled following the October 7th attacks. A concert in Istanbul was called off, and Cohen believes she may now be banned from the country due to deteriorating Israel-Turkey relations. Despite the geopolitical obstacles and the loss of a significant market, Cohen remains optimistic about her future and hopes for peace, while reaffirming her commitment to creating music in Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli musician Riff Cohen's Turkish concert was canceled after the October 7th attacks.
- Cohen previously enjoyed significant popularity in Turkey, being called its most beloved foreign singer.
- Geopolitical tensions between Israel and Turkey have impacted Cohen's ability to perform there.
- Cohen believes she may be banned from entering Turkey.
- Despite career setbacks, Cohen remains optimistic and committed to creating music in Israel.
- Cohen hopes for a return to peace and for music to overcome political divides.
Israeli musician Riff Cohen has seen her burgeoning career in Turkey abruptly halted following the events of October 7th. Initially, 3,000 tickets had been sold for a concert in Istanbul scheduled for October 12th as part of the 5th International Folk Music Festival. However, the concert was canceled on October 7th, the same day Hamas attacked Israel. Cohen stated on social media that she chose to remain with her family due to the events in her country. This cancellation marked a significant break in what she described as a "love story" with Turkey, a country where she was once hailed as the most beloved foreign singer and where her music, blending Hebrew, French, and Arabic with diverse influences like Yemeni rhythms, reggae, and Persian music, resonated deeply.
The geopolitical climate between Turkey and Israel has deteriorated since October 7th, making it risky for Israeli artists to perform in Turkey. Cohen suggested she might even be banned from entering the country. Despite these setbacks and the potential for greater opportunities in France, where she also found success, Cohen remains committed to Israel, stating she feels creatively fulfilled there. She expressed hope for a return to performing in Turkey and for a broader return to peace, emphasizing her positive outlook and desire for music to transcend political divides. Cohen's mother, Patricia Cohen, is credited with writing most of her lyrics, contributing to the unique artistic universe that had previously thrived in Turkey.