Ofra Haza is one of the few Israeli singers who managed to become famous all over the world. She was called the "Madonna of the East" and the "Great Jewess". Many people remember her not only as a singer, but also as an actress.
On the shelf of celebrity awards is the honorary Grammy Award, which was presented to celebrities by the American National Academy of Arts and Sciences. Ofra was awarded for the implementation of her own plans.
Ofra Haza: Childhood and youth
Bat Sheva Ofra Haza-Ashkenazi (the full name of a celebrity) was born in 1957 in Tel Aviv. She was raised in a large family. In addition to Ofra, the parents had 8 more children.
The childhood of little Ofra cannot be called happy. The fact is that her parents did not have the qualities inherent in the Jewish nationality. The girl grew up in one of the most disadvantaged areas of her city. Haza had the strength to turn on the right path.
Ofra has been interested in music since early childhood. She sang and dreamed of a big stage, recognition and popularity. By the way, her mother played an important role in choosing Haza's profession. At one time she was the lead singer of a local band. The team earned by performing in cafes and restaurants.
Attempts of the future artist to sing
Mom noticed that five-year-old Ofra has a pleasant voice and perfect pitch. It was she who taught her daughter to perform Jewish folk songs. The performance of little Haza touched everyone around.
Bezalel Aloni (a neighbor of the Ofra family) heard the singing of the young talent. He advised his parents not to miss the chance and help the girl perform on stage. Bezalel even contributed to the fact that she joined the society of creative people. She became a member of the local troupe. As a teenager, Ofra Haza was already performing on the professional stage.
Ofra continued to improve her vocal abilities. Her voice was captivating and captivating. She soon became the leader of the local group Hatikva. Then she showed herself also as a lyricist. She wrote heartfelt lyrical compositions about life and love.
Bezalel Aloni influenced Haza's work. Thanks to him, she got into the so-called society of creative people. There, the singer was very quickly noticed by the “right” people. In the late 1960s, Ofra managed to release a collection of author's compositions. Music lovers in a matter of months bought up a musical novelty from an unknown artist.
But the recognition of her talent happened only after participating in a music competition, where Ofra became the best. In one of her interviews, the celebrity said that at that time it cost her considerable effort to perform on stage, as her legs gave way from fear.
The creative path of Ofra Haza
Ofra Haza's professional career began a year after coming of age. She managed to sign a contract with a recording studio and release a full length LP. During this period of creativity, the composition The Tart's Song, which means "Confession of a prostitute", was very popular.
At the beginning of her creative career, Ofra wanted to forget her origins. She recorded dance tracks for young and mature people. The Israeli public did not immediately appreciate the approach of Haza, who tried to bring to life even more author's ideas.
In addition, the lack of radio rotation negatively affected the development of the singer. But this did not prevent the compositions of the Israeli singer from getting overseas. Tracks in Arabic and Hebrew were very popular with European and Far Eastern music lovers. The deep meaning of the songs touched the hearts of the audience.
Longplay Bo Nedaber Hai and Pituyim were sold out in significant numbers. The singer has been repeatedly recognized as the best singer in Israel. In the late 1980s, Ofra became popular internationally.
Participation of the singer in the music contest "Eurovision-1983"
In 1983, Ofra Haza represented her country at the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest. To the public, she presented the track "Alive" from the album of the same name. The composition became the hallmark of the concert program. Khaza's performance was appreciated by the jury and the audience.
The participation of the performer in the song contest increased her popularity. Now her tracks often hit the world music charts. During this period of time, the single Im Nin Alu was very popular. The composition was very liked by the inhabitants of Great Britain and Germany.
On the shelf of Ofra's awards were the prestigious Tigra and The New Music Award. The Shaday album, which was released in Europe, was received very warmly by music critics and music lovers. Many of the album's tracks became "folk".
The peak of Ofra Haza's popularity
The peak of popularity was almost immediately after receiving the prestigious Grammy Award. She received an award for presenting the original Kirya compilation. Soon Haza appeared in the video for the track of the famous John Lennon. This turn of events led to the fact that her merits in the development of culture were already recognized at the highest level.
Her discography has continued to expand. Haza expanded her repertoire with Oriental Nights and Kol Haneshama compilations. Then she had the honor to sing the anthem of Israel, which for a long period united the inhabitants of her native country.
Unexpectedly for fans, the singer disappeared from sight. During this period of time, she recorded "Song of Songs of King Solomon" and "Golden Jerusalem". Haza stopped actively touring. The singer did not leave the recording studio, continuing to write soundtracks for popular American films.
Personal life of the artist
Ofra was an attractive and beautiful woman. This is evidenced by photographs of a celebrity. Despite this, for a long time she was in no hurry to get a spouse, limiting herself to communicating with her parents and friends.
Years passed and Haza decided to start her own family. By this time, she liked an influential Israeli businessman. Soon Doron Ashkenazi led Ofra down the aisle. A magnificent celebration prophesied family happiness.
For the first few years of their lives, the couple lived like in paradise. Then family relations began to deteriorate. Doron allowed himself too much - he openly cheated on his wife. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that Ofra was diagnosed with a fatal disease.
Relatives who did not trust Khaza's spouse said that he had AIDS. The artist did not blame her husband for anything. There was a version that HIV got into Ofra's body due to a blood transfusion.
Death of Ofra Haza
In the late 1990s, a celebrity learned about a terrible disease. Despite this, she made attempts to work and perform on stage. Ofra gave concerts and recorded songs. Relatives asked to conserve strength, but Khaza could not be persuaded.
On February 23, 2000, the artist, who was in Tel Hashomer, felt a sharp malaise. She spent the last few hours of her life under strict medical supervision. Ofra died of pneumonia.
