Meet HaTeumim: The Twins Taking Israel's Music Scene by Storm
Yam and Lee Ovadia, children of veteran Mizrahi singer Koko, have taken Israel by storm as the musical duo HaTeumim. Balancing reality TV fame and viral hits, they remain grounded in family while eyeing massive stages.
When Yam and Lee Ovadia decided to spend election day on a shopping trip at the Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv, they had no idea what to expect. Within moments of entering, Yam heard children screaming and initially feared something was wrong. Instead, fans swarmed them, shouting requests for photos. Suddenly, about six security guards rushed over to escort the duo out of the mall as a crowd of roughly 300 teenagers gathered around them. One guard reportedly remarked to another that he thought right-wing politician Itamar Ben-Gvir had arrived, only to be told they were just the famous twins.
Rising Stars and Musical Roots
The 23-year-old twins are the youngest children of veteran Mizrahi music star Yaakov "Koko mi-Eilat" Ovadia. Alongside their older brothers Eve—who serves as their personal manager and songwriter—Gad, and Dan, the siblings recently exploded onto the Israeli music scene as a duo known simply as "HaTeumim" (The Twins). They starred in the Yes docu-drama reality series Hayyei Koko (Koko's Life), released hit singles like "Etz o Pli" and "Im Lo At," and dominated TikTok and YouTube. Their meteoric rise has already secured a second season for their family reality show and brought offers for an upcoming tour in the United States.
Despite their growing fame, the duo remains grounded in family life. The family currently lives together and plans to move into a large villa in Rishon LeZion, where the second season of their show will be filmed. Lee jokes that he could never leave home because of his mother's homemade couscous, emphasizing that family comes first. While they work, sing, and film content together, they maintain a healthy sibling dynamic filled with playful bickering over household chores, pet care, and daily routines.
Behind the Scenes and Industry Pressures
Eve, their 31-year-old brother and manager, plays a crucial role in steering their career. Described by Yam as the "brain" of the operation, Eve initially noticed their viral success on TikTok and connected them with high-profile agent Roberto Ben-Shuen. Before forming the duo, industry figures attempted to recruit Lee for a traditional boy band modeled after One Direction. However, Lee refused to go without his sister, cementing their partnership.
As the duo prepares for their first major live performance, Eve maintains strict discipline, limiting late-night outings to ensure they stay focused on their musical craft. Meanwhile, the family continues to support their father Koko, whose legendary career in Mizrahi music remains an inspiration. With millions of monthly streams and crowds chanting their lyrics before official releases, the twins are rapidly building a lasting legacy in the Israeli entertainment industry.
