Day 82 - Hip Hop Zioni

Day 82 - Wednesday 4 August 2010

After working in the morning and chilling in the arvo, I had been planning since Friday night when I saw the poster to go and see Ha'Dag Nachash tonight.

A little bit about the band, their first album was released in 2000 and since then, have released three more, their most recent this year, titled '6'. In the last 10 years, they have become one of the most famous and loved bands in Israel and recognised Israeli bands around the world for their music, and lyrics. They are provocative, and inspirational. And command a large group of followers, both hebrew and non-hebrew speakers. Their most famous song being 'Shirat HaStiker' off the 2004 album, 'Chomer Mekomo.'

Their famous phrase of 'HaDag Nachash osim Hip Hop Zioni' (HaDag Nachash makes Zionistic Hip Hop) was something I saw come into fruition last night. They inject their music with their mixed political views and views on Israel.

After having all the friends who were meant to meet me there pull out at the last minute, I found myself in a mosh pit of over 300 screaming teenagers (much like Big Day Out come to think of it..) I thought this would be boring, but as soon as the music started, I knew this thought was out the window..

To see all these kids, majority of which would have no connection or interest in Youth Movements (how we in Australia would connect to our idealism and Zionism), shouting out the words, with meaning and intent - of this band who connect with all of their followers, to me was inspirational. Where I was thinking I would be bored and standing in a crowd of little pishers, I got slightly upset with myself that I had judged them like that without thinking. In the end, it was them that inspired me.

It reminds me of the ideals that the bands of the 60's and 70's inspired, how the Hippy Generation had bands that promoted love and tolerance and the messages were spread through music. Personally, I love music, but I find myself as one a few who actually appreciate musci not only for the beat, but for the lyrics as well. I found myself last night in amongst a massive crowd of people who quite possible see the lyrics as the highest part of this music.

I need to think more but if I have anything else to add to this post I will later..

I cannot begin to think about how many people were there, I have the images in my head (and some bad shots from the camrea phone) but I would have to say no less than a thousand..

The concert was part of a two week festival (held annually in Israel) called 'Chutzot Ha'Yotzer' the Internaiton Arts and Crafts festival. I went for a walk around the 35 countries who are exhibitioning things and man is it incredible! I'm seriously thinking I have to go back next week to look again..and for Mosh Ben Ari..

Yallah I'm off to work but keep smiling =)