Singer Ninet Tayeb Opens Up on Divorce and Personal Growth in New Album

Ninet Tayeb, the Israeli singer who rose to fame 23 years ago on Kokhav Nolad, shared an intimate interview with Danny Kushmaro about her recent divorce and her latest deeply personal album, "I’m Nina." Tayeb, who has two daughters with musician Yossi Mizrahi, described the divorce as the hardest decision of her life, admitting it remains difficult to live in an empty home two years later. She reflected on her song "Maybe I Could Have Done More," which expresses the painful self-questioning she experienced during the separation.

In the interview, conducted shortly after one of her performances at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv, Tayeb revealed how she has learned not to avoid pain and embraces her emotions as part of being human. She also discussed her complex relationship with her breakout hit "Sea of Tears," performed during the Kokhav Nolad finale, and how her new album closes that chapter. Tayeb emphasized that her music reflects her true self at age 42, wanting to be accepted fully as she is.

Tayeb recounted the challenges of early fame, including the pressure to please everyone and criticism she faced for pursuing rock music. She described herself as a "national mommy" with a love-hate relationship to public expectations. Despite the difficulties, she credits her family and spiritual connection for helping her endure the mental strain of celebrity life.

On a personal note, Tayeb spoke about motherhood, describing herself as a loving and sometimes playful parent to her daughters Emilia, 12, and Luna, 5, both of whom show musical talent. She also touched on the trauma of the October 7 attacks, when she was near the conflict zone with her children, and her involvement in efforts to support hostages.

Tayeb addressed issues of identity and cultural background, rejecting the notion of "second Israel" divisions and embracing her Mizrahi heritage without feeling it hindered her career. Naming her album "I’m Nina" symbolizes her acceptance of all facets of her identity and contradictions. The interview offered a rare glimpse into her private workspace where she created the album, underscoring her commitment to authenticity and artistic freedom.