When the Rapper and the Cantor Meet: "Before We Parted, I Told Him: 'One Day We'll Do a Duet'"

The city that brings people together: Avi Dalabenti (29) and Nissim Baruch Black (32) are two musical creators who come from polar opposite worlds. Yet, the magic of the capital—Jerusalem—has sparked a refreshing artistic collaboration in our area, in the form of an elaborate video clip and the message that peace is possible. Last week, the new single "Shalom to the World" was released.

Both artists come from different worlds—Avi, a Moroccan-born cantor, was born in Canada and speaks French. Nissim, an African-American rapper, grew up in a Muslim family, converted to Christianity at 14, and about eight years ago converted to become an observant Jew. Both immigrated to Israel and live in Jerusalem. Their initial meeting point was in Uman, at the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, about two years ago.

The song "Shalom to the World," written by Avi Dalabenti and Hannah Dayan, has been released recently and is essentially a love song for Israel's capital, Jerusalem. It combines words in French, English, and Hebrew, and includes an excerpt from the song "Jerusalem of Gold," composed by Naomi Shemer. Avi is a cantor emphasizing the guttural 'k' and 'r' sounds in his speech. By the way, these sounds are absent when he sings in French. "Until now, I've mainly sung in Arabic and Moroccan, and of course, Hebrew cantillations," Avi shares, adding that this is the first time he sings in French. His partner in the song, known as "Nissim," has released 12 albums and created various collaborations, including with singer Gad Elbaz.

Nissim, how was working with Avi?

"Working with Avi was great. He is very talented, and his genuine love for the Torah shines through in his music."

Avi: "Working with Nissim was enjoyable and special. The blend of different worlds opened a new path for me in music, and I have the privilege to release such a creation to the music world. Nissim is a professional, an experienced artist who knows his craft."

How did your collaboration come about?

Nissim: "We met in Uman. Afterward, our teams stayed in contact. Eventually, we decided to collaborate. When I read the lyrics, I thought it would be a great song, and it made sense to shoot a video in Jerusalem—so we did."

Avi: "When we met in Uman, about two years ago, it was an interesting meeting. We talked mainly about music and life. It turned out we were neighbors without knowing it. Before we parted, I told him, 'One day we'll do a duet together.' Thank God, here it is."

Your meeting combines two worlds: Eastern cantillations and American rap music, originally protest music—how does this work?

Nissim: "As you hear in the song—it's a great combination. A world of collaboration allows for the convergence of many different and diverse sounds and styles. I feel my style is different from all styles, a genre based on my material, and from love with all my heart for Hashem."

Avi: "I sing in several styles. I grew up in the world of cantillation. I perform at events and concerts, but in the song, I brought a new side of myself that hadn't come out before. I decided to step a bit out of the cantillation box and create a more international, innovative pop song combined with rap. We also included authentic and Israeli elements like the song 'Jerusalem of Gold.'"

Nissim, do you feel the Jewish people accept you as an equal?

"For all the Torah people, there is toil and work intended to create closeness to Hashem. Acceptance in the Jewish world depends on the heartfelt desire to fulfill the commandments. The Jewish way of life is such that eventually, just like at the giving of the Torah—you need not only to hear but also to act in daily life. Faith allows leaning on Hashem and trusting that all things come from Him. If one encounters challenging situations or circumstances, he must bless it and cope with the trials here—in this life."

Born in Montreal, Immigrated to Jerusalem, and Closes the Circle

Avi Dalabenti (29) is known among overseas Jewish communities. He was born in Montreal 29 years ago, to a family that immigrated from Morocco. "My grandfather was a cantor and singer in Morocco," he shares, "My father continued his path and was a cantor and singer in the Montreal Jewish community. He played the piano and taught me to play and sing too, I performed alongside him since age five. At 17, I began performing at private events for Jewish communities in Miami and Los Angeles. I sang Arabic and Moroccan songs and, over time, started performing Hasidic songs. Now, I am trying to open up towards pop and mainstream."

Dalabenti is married to Jessica, a lawyer whose family emigrated from Morocco to Paris. They met in Miami, where they married. They immigrated to Israel three years ago. A year later, their firstborn son David was born, and recently, their daughter Naomi was born. Living in the capital is like closing a circle for him, following his ancestors who lived in the city until about 150 years ago when they immigrated to Morocco. Upon arriving in Israel, Avi discovered the challenge of living alongside the terror that occasionally strikes the city. "Since I was young, I've been writing songs about Jerusalem," he says, "and now that I'm here, my perspective on the city has changed—everything here is complicated, as if there's a war in the city at any moment. Everyone wants Jerusalem. The new song I wrote with Hannah Dayan and composed with Sinai Aviel."

"Jerusalem is a beautiful city that has proven in the past that everyone can live in peace. In the song, I call on everyone to sing and dance together here. Sometimes the solution to problems starts in the simplest place, and music is what connects people."

How is life in Canada? Are Jews wary of anti-Semitism?

"Until the last few years, Jews have lived in relative peace, with no major incidents, although anti-Semitic incidents occur worldwide, the question is just in what frequency. Recently, Syrian immigrants, refugees of the war, have arrived in Canada, making the situation slightly problematic for Jews. One can say that relatively, community life is safe, Jews—especially in Montreal and Toronto—are well-established, but occasionally, we hear about a hate crime. Undoubtedly, it is a concerning phenomenon on a global level."

Besides investing in his musical career, Avi studies every day in a kollel. "I go to the kollel every morning until 1 PM unless I have a morning event. When I can't go to the kollel in the morning, I try to set times for Torah study. The Torah is my way of life. I have a study partner with whom I learn, and we have a good relationship. The rest of the day, I'm mostly working, and if not—I'm in song recordings, photoshoots, etc. Now, I am blessed with a newborn daughter and have a firstborn son, so most of my time revolves around them." Avi aspires to release a full album of his original creations in a variety of styles. "I believe it will see the light soon; we are working on it."

Nissim was born as Damian Black in the USA 32 years ago, and he converted from Christianity to Judaism. He currently resides in Jerusalem with his wife and five children, having immigrated to Israel about three years ago.

Nissim, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

"I see myself with a married daughter, by the grace of God, my sons studying in yeshiva, continuing to grow in Torah and work."

Avi, where do you see yourself in the future?

"Honestly, in 10 years, I will probably be preparing for my firstborn son's bar mitzvah. Artistically, I am doing everything to bring my music in the best and most professional way possible, conquer big stages, and continue to do the thing I love most, which is music, and of course, study Torah."