Neta Elkayam is an Israeli singer of Moroccan Jewish heritage.
Elkayam's grandparents emigrated to Israel from Casablanca and Tinghir. She was raised in Netivot. Inspired by Moroccan songs sung at family gatherings, she learned Arabic and explored her Moroccan roots. [1] In 2024, she obtained Moroccan citizenship. [2] She lives in Jerusalem. [3]
In 2013, Elkayam performed in her home in Katamon as part of the Jerusalem Season of Culture's In House Festival. [4]
She performed at the Zolelet Jazz and World Music Showcase in 2017. [5]
Elkayam appeared in the 2019 Keren Yedaya film "Red Fields." [6] [7]
Palestinian filmmaker and designer Suhad Khatib, Palestinian comedian Alaa Abu Diab, and artists Jumana Manna and Hadeel Alsafadi boycotted the 2021 Arabofolies Festival in France due to the scheduled appearance of Elkayam. [8]
In 2021, Yuval Evri, assistant professor of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Marash and Ocuin Chair in Ottoman, Mizrahi and Sephardic Jewish Studies at Brandeis University, interviewed Elkayam for the school's Studio Israel program. [9]
In 2024, Elkayam and her partner and collaborator Amit Hai Cohen were artists in residence at Xavier University of Louisiana. [10]
While studying in an ulpana as a teenager, her music teacher, a classical guitarist from India, exposed her to classical music, jazz, black music, and opera. She also became interested in Pink Floyd and heavy metal. She credits her grandmother with introducing her to Moroccan music. [11]
Elkayam is known for her recordings of the songs of Moroccan Jews. The New York Times noted that she "sings to heal the wounds of exile." [12]