Matisyahu’s not gonna forget Jerusalem
The Jewish reggae star will make a one-time appearance Friday at the city’s Sacred Music Festival
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu will perform at Friday’s final concert of the Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival, following his defiant appearance last month at a Spanish music festival that initially canceled his performance amid pressure by pro-Palestinian groups.
During his rescheduled concert at the Rototom Sunsplash festival in eastern Spain, Matisyahu sang his hit single, “Jerusalem.”
Now he gets to sing it surrounded by the walls of the Old City.
Festival organizers said Matisyahu is making a special trip to Jerusalem from the end of his European tour for the celebratory finale of the festival, held Friday afternoon, September 4. He will perform two songs with Hadag Nachash lead singer Shaanan Street and other guests at the Tower of David Museum.
The concert, scheduled for 12:30 on Friday afternoon, is sold out.
“The Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival is proof that music should and can always transcend politics,” said Matisyahu. “It is proof that people all over the world have more in common than what divides them, and seek acceptance and oneness with each other. It is proof that music can express freedom without borders. The festival’s vision fills me with the hope and belief that from Jerusalem we can answer those who choose conflict with the unifying call of music for all people regardless of faith or politics. I am excited to be joining this musical prayer from Jerusalem.”
The Sacred Music Festival is taking place this week at different locales in the city, bringing local and international singers to Jerusalem to sing of humanity, togetherness and faith, said festival organizers.
Matisyahu and Shaanan Streett will be preceded by Haim Laroz and Alon Amano Campino, who are hosting singers Ester Rada and Rahela. There will also be the performance of Ethiocolor’s musical journey from the heart of Ethiopia, and Jamaican Max Romeo will perform a full concert, added after his Thursday night concert sold out.
