What did Sarit Hadad do in secret in Jordan at age 19? The hidden story that few know
On the occasion of the huge show at Yarkon Park, we look back at the surprising album she recorded in Arabic at just 19 years old, her mastery of various instruments, and the unbelievable story behind the hit that shook the country.
Sarit Hadad is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most successful singers in the history of Israeli music. With a glorious career spanning 30 years, dozens of hits, and albums that have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, she has established her status as the queen of Mediterranean music and Israeli pop. But beyond the huge stages and the hits we all know by heart, there are some fascinating and surprising details in her career and life that make her a living legend.
The truth behind the song "Ata Tutach"
The immortal hit "Kmo Cinderella" and the anthem "Ata Tutach" are not just songs that shook the radios in Israel, but part of a unique professional and personal relationship. The song "Ata Tutach," written by Yossi Gispan, was created specifically as an homage and tribute to Avi Gueta, Sarit's personal and legendary manager. It was Gueta who discovered her in her youth at the HaKshatot beach in Eilat, and the two walked hand in hand throughout the entire way, with Gueta managing her career with exceptional loyalty that became a model to emulate in the industry.
The legendary musician
Another fact that not everyone knows is that Hadad is not just a performer with a powerful voice, but a gifted musician. From a very young age, she learned to play a wide variety of musical instruments independently, including piano, organ, darbuka, accordion, guitar, and even the Persian tar. Her playing ability and control of rhythm have always stood out in her live performances, where she tends to surprise the audience by switching to playing live on the darbuka or piano.
The Eurovision round
Her big breakthrough did not stop at Israel's borders, and in 2002 Sarit Hadad represented Israel at the Eurovision contest with the moving song "Light a Candle" (Nadlik Beyachad Ner), written by Svika Pick and Yoav Ginai. Hadad reached a respectable 12th place during a politically complex period, and presented a precise and moving vocal performance that earned praise from journalists and fans all over Europe.
Not afraid to take risks
Over the years, Hadad has proven that she is not afraid to innovate and collaborate with musical styles completely different from her own. From joint performances with artists like Eyal Golan and Ofer Levi, to surprising connections with rock and pop artists like Shalom Hanoch, Sharif, and even the band Teapacks and Kobi Oz. This musical versatility has allowed her to remain relevant, reach all segments of the population, and cross sectors and ages over four decades.
The performance in Jordan
Another fascinating and less known chapter in Sarit Hadad's early career took place in 1997, when she was only 19 years old. Hadad recorded an entire album in Arabic in Jordan under the name Sirit Hadad, Mutrabat al-Karmal, singing in Arabic without mastering the language, but by precisely memorizing the texts. Her performances in Amman were a resounding success, and the album became a big hit in the Middle East, proving already at the beginning of her path her exceptional ability to cross borders and cultures through music.
Sarit Hadad is definitely a one-time phenomenon in the Israeli musical landscape, combining rare musical talent, a moving voice, and a captivating ability to renew herself and touch hearts for decades. From the girl from Hadera who played independently on every instrument that came her way, through the surprising performances in Jordan to the peak of pop and Mediterranean music in Israel, she has shown that pure talent and hard work can conquer any goal. Today, she opened ticket sales for a concert celebrating 30 years of her career in Yarkon Park, and it seems it will be sold out within the next hour.
