Queer Israeli singer Harel Skaat has laid down a version of Im Nin’Alu, the song made famous by singer Ofra Haza and that has been sampled by everyone from rap stars Eric B and Rakim, to Snoop Dogg, and Madonna.
The singer who represented Israel at Eurovision in 2010 is hoping to have success with the song that has been a genre crossing hit around the world.
His subtle version of song is accompanied by a video that sees him riding a horse through the country side and bathing with a harem of beauties.
In 2010 the singer also confirmed that he is gay. He’s enjoyed a successful career in Israel and has most recently being playing the role of Marius in a local production of Les Miserables.
The song Im Nin’Alu is based on a 17th century poem written by Rabbi Shalom Shabazi. The song’s opening line says “Even if the gates of the rich are closed, the gates of heaven will never be closed.”
Singer Ofra Haza first recorded the tune in 1978, but throughout her career she recorded it several times.
In 1988 the song became an international hit finding audiences in nightclubs and it even made it into the British charts.
Haza would go on to collaborate with Paula Abdul on her track My Love is For Real. Sadly she passed away from an AIDS related illness in 2000.
Haza’s recording also appears in rappers Eric B and Rakim’s tune Paid in Full. The sample appears at the 0:36 mark.
Snoop Dogg has also smappled Haza’s vocals from Im Nin’Alu.
Another place you might have heard the tune is on Madonna’s album Confessions of a Dancefloor. Madonna used the tune as the basis for her song Isaac.
OIP Staff
