Israeli sister act A-Wa forge funky fusion of Yemenite folk music and hip-hop beats
Sister trio A-WA perform their first single "Habib Galbi" in studio q and explain how their music bridges the divide of Israeli culture.
When Israeli sister trio A-Wa started forming their sound, they went looking for traditional Yemenite folk songs they knew from childhood. They liked the "groove" and "curvy" melodies of the music, and knew they wanted to combine the tunes with hip-hop and reggae.
Tair, Tagel, and Liron Haim — and yes, they were known as the Haim Sisters before A-Wa — are Jewish, but sing in Arabic, resulting in music that has found popularity in Israel and neighbouring Muslim nations.
It's even earned A-Wa shout-outs from the popular Muslim-hipster Facebook page, "Mipsterz".
WEB EXTRA | The sisters put a new spin on a traditional folk song with Habib Galbi. Watch the video below, which features the trio in hot pink hijabs.