Ethniks' Ze'ev Nechama Reflects on Band's Journey, Collaboration with Eyal Golan

Ze'ev Nechama, the lead singer and founder of the iconic Israeli band Ethniks, has opened up about his enduring stage fright, admitting to experiencing severe anxiety before every performance, which he describes as feeling like "you're going to die." In a new podcast interview, Nechama recalled early radio resistance to Ethniks' music, a music industry executive's prediction that their hit song "Keturna Masala" would be the band's "nail in the coffin," and their groundbreaking collaboration with singer Eyal Golan.

Nechama, who has been performing for over 40 years, discussed his humble beginnings in Holon and his mother's experiences during the Holocaust in Belgium, where she hid in a convent and was taught to hate Jews for survival. His father's family, the Nechamas, hailed from Thessaloniki, Greece, and instilled in him a love for Greek music, which he initially dismissed but later embraced. This blend of influences, he explained, formed the foundation of Ethniks, a band that revolutionized Israeli music in the late 1990s, transforming Mizrahi music into a dominant genre.

Ethniks, formed in 1985 with Tamiir Kliski, has released 16 albums and won Band of the Year eight times. In the mid-90s, Nechama and Kliski produced Eyal Golan's album "Biladai," which sold 400,000 copies and significantly impacted the Mizrahi music scene. However, a severe falling out between Nechama and Kliski led to a legal battle, which surprisingly ended in reconciliation about four years ago. Nechama stated that the dispute was "foolish" and that they now work together amicably, even earning more money due to the positive karma surrounding their reunion.

Nechama also reflected on the criticism Ethniks faced for their collaboration with Golan, acknowledging they knew it was a "minefield" and that they "pay the price to this day." He defended their decision, arguing they were breaking down barriers and bringing Mizrahi music, which had been marginalized despite its existing quality, to the forefront with professional production and fashion. He cited the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as a major musical influence, praising their ability to innovate and blend genres, a quality he sees mirrored in his own partnership with Kliski.

Beyond music, Nechama shared his admiration for filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, calling "Pulp Fiction" a perfect film that represents his love for Tarantino's work. He also discussed his profound experience with the book "Proof of Heaven" by Dr. Eben Alexander, which resonated with his personal experiences surrounding his mother's passing and reinforced his belief in an afterlife. Currently, Nechama is inspired by the rap scene in Alexandria, Egypt, appreciating its fusion of ancient Egyptian rhythms with modern hip-hop and trap, seeing it as a genuine and innovative musical movement.