City Guide: A-WA Introduces us to Tel-Aviv

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Aside from creating hits, the Israeli sister band are excellent tour guides.

Guide

Sep 6, 2019 | Erin Christie

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Regardless as to whether or not you speak Arabic, the power of a good dance beat is universal. For sister trio A-WA (Tair, Liron, and Tagel Haim), this is abundantly clear.

The Haim sisters (unrelated to San Fernando indie sister trio), have stirred up commotion since their first record Habib Galbi was released in 2015. Dropping tracks that could easily be heard over the speakers at any club or festival stage worldwide, it’s no surprise that they’ve gained international acclaim and a cult following.

In January of this year, the trio released a single from their newest LP, “Mudbira," which, for those who aren’t familiar with their native language, is a Yemenite colloquial term, meaning “miserable” in regards to the womanly experience. Throughout the track, the sisters discuss just that—the struggles that young women must endure (especially in their country) from arranged marriage, to being forced to helm the household, to misogynistic mindsets. Despite these stressors, though, A-WA’s overall message is not to wallow or feel sorry for yourself, but to to rise up against these archaic societal expectations.

Across the board, this powerful threesome radiates a palpable strength: in their sisterly bond and in their empowered stance in the Israeli music world.

Having grown up in a remote village in the Arava Valley, the sisters had a unique experience of childhood that inspired their creative endeavors, including their musical direction.

They've now relocated to Tel-Aviv, a bustling city on the Mediterranean coast, and have clued us in to their favorite local spots, from desert landscapes to cozy cafes to help familiarize us with the place that they call home.

Check it out below and make sure to track them on Bandsintown!

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Shizen - 34 Florentine Street

Cute little vegan cafe with pastries, cool plants, and fresh flowers.

(They also have a tiny kitten in the shop but he's not for sale!)

Saffe - 3 Simtat Bet Habad Street

Amazing spot for a delicious Israeli-Arabic brunch with great music and a backyard.

HaMalabia - 15 Sderot Washington Street

Best Malabia desert in the city (Florentin spot has backgammon games going all night long and the original Shuk HaCarmel & Jaffa branches are next to all the buzzing market action)

Kiosko - 31 Frenkel Street

Our favorite spot for meetings & hangs. Yotam makes the best playlists and Claude always greets you with a huge smile.

Ask for Tomer's amazing gouda toast!

Cafe XoHo - 17 Gordon Street

Fun cafe filled with international visitors and gluten-free cookies. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Beatnik Record Store - 38 Abarbanel Street

Cozy little shop full of rare vinyls

Hawaijj & Gelada Studios - 3 Simtat Bet Habad Street

A cool shared design space of awesome t-shirts, screenprinting, Risograph & pop-up events.

Aden Jewish Heritage Museum‪ - 5 Lilienblum Street

A beautiful exhibition in the middle of Neve Tzedek dedicated to Adeni/Yemenite history.

Vibromonk East – Tamir Muskat's recording & production studio - 3 Frenkel Street

Where all the magic happens...

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With such a breath-taking location as the backdrop to their creative process, it’s no surprise that A-WA has consistently produced work that is just as colorful and bright.

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