Volume 2 of SMF’s fundraiser compilation series brings new infectious tracks ranging from traditional Sephardic folk songs to hip hop, electro, and dance music. Cheb i Sabbah, among the most talented world-music producers, kicks off the compilation with “Im Ninalou” (If the Doors are Locked), a traditional Yemenite song made famous by the late great Ofra Chaza. Israeli club kids Axum blow up the compilation with their energetic “Knowa.” Dunkelbunt remixes Marseille-based Watcha Clan, which mixes Balkan brass and Sephardic folk with Gnawa trance and hip-hop. DeLeon use their distinctive style of rock to transform ancient Sephardic folk music into a sound that is both brand new and centuries old with a Manu Chao-esque groove. Jerusalem native Mor Karbasi chills out the compilation with her beautiful song titled “Arvoles.” The listener can’t help but feel that they are floating along on a carpet as Karbasi sings gently to the accompanying piano. Tel Aviv’s Cohen@Mushon highlights the 90′s golden era hip hop sound. Diwon includes a couple of his own tracks including a Middle Eastern instrumental single and a “Maoz Tzur” holiday-inspired song with an LMFAO feel featuring ex-Hasidic, gay rapper Y-Love and Ladino songstress Sarah Aroeste.

Featuring tracks by Cheb i Sabbah, Watcha Clan, Diwon, Mor Karbasi, Axum and more.

Volume 1 of SMF’s fundraiser compilation series is a mix of traditional, dance, electro, hip hop, and folk songs from around the Sephardic world. Grammy-nominated artist Matisyahu combines a suite of Middle Eastern inspired hip hop riffs with a time-honored Yemenite chorus sung by Yehuda Solomon. Yasmin Levy’s impassioned song “Mi Korasón” (My Heart) emphasizes the under-appreciated romantic side of the Ladino language. The Moshav Band — an L.A. based group of expatriate Israeli musicians — contributes a powerful rendition of the Yemenite wedding song “Abba Shimon” in Judeo Arabic. Electro Morocco bring the infectious fun, funk and Middle Eastern and Balkan electro vibes on “Joe Pill”. Sarah Aroeste’s “Hija Mia” gets remixed and re-imagined by Balkan Beat Box’s Tamir Muskat making it not only beautiful, but banging. In addition, Yair Dalal, the world-renowned Sephardic musician who performed at the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize Gala in Oslo, offers a memorable interpretation of the classic Shabbat song “Ya Ribon.” Closing out the compilation is the final poem and prayer of King Solomon’s ‘Song of Song’ as interpreted by Benyamin, Dugans and Diwon with Moroccan melodies and downtempo grooves. The compilation is as diverse and beautiful as the festival itself.

Featuring tracks by Matisyahu, Moshav, Yasmin levy, Yari Dalal, Galeet Dardashti, Diwon & more!