Remembering Ofra Haza: "Ya Ba Ye" (1989)

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Scott Ganschow recently posted an Ofra Haza song. He is the first person I have come across who knows who she was. Haza achieved international success though not in the US despite touring in the 1990s. The singer was way too exotic for American tastes. Her Middle Eastern sound seemed suitable for belly dancing. She was not Arabic but Jewish Yemenite born in Israel. She was highly regarded in her country as her music was viewed as helping to bridge the gap between Israeli and Arab cultures. Haza sang in multi languages and the sound is best described as Middle Eastern meets European dance pop. Her exotic beauty and how she dressed on stage was straight out of the Arabian Nights. Ofra Haza died at 42 of AIDS/HIV complications reportedly the result of a blood transfusion. "Ya Ba Ye" is a great song highlighting her vocals and distinct sound. The CD single features remixes.