Idan Raichel conquers Africa
Israeli singer completes successful 10-day concert tour in Rwanda, Ghana and Angola
VIDEO - Israeli singer Idan Raichel recently completed a success 10-day concert tour in three African countries: Rwanda, Ghana and Angola.
The tour was initiated and produced by the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Israeli embassies in Africa.
Idan Raichel Rocky Dawuni perform in Ghana
In Rwanda, Raichel performed in the capital of Kigali in front of the state's political echelon as well as movers and shakers.
In Ghana, Raichel and his band performed to an audience of 1,500 people in the national theater in Accra, together with local singer Reggae singer Rocky Dawuni.
Raichel rocked the crowd, which was captivated by the music, rhythm and atmosphere.
The audience was comprised of tribe chiefs in traditional clothing, judges, public figures and members of the diplomatic community, including diplomats from Turkey and Morocco who were brought to their feet, singing along.
Israeli Ambassador to Ghana Sharon Bar-Li said the audience enjoyed the Israeli artist's performance.
"Throughout most of the concert the audience was on its feet, applauding and dancing – even in the passageways. Some of them even danced on stage. The viewers waved their hands in the air, applauded and obeyed the band's 'operational instructions.' The atmosphere in the auditorium was simply electrifying," the ambassador said.
It should be noted that Israel is highly appreciated in Ghana after sending a Home Front Command rescue delegation to assist in the relief effort following the collapse of a multi-storey building in the capital.
Raichel's last concert was held in the Angolan capital of Luanda, where he performed together with local musicians in front of 500 people, including Angola's foreign minister.
Israel's embassies in Africa took major efforts to market Raichel's tour in the local media, which were fascinated by the Israeli singer with the dreadlocks.
"The goal in sending Raichel to Africa was to present Israeli culture at its best," said Avi Granot, head of the Foreign Ministry's Africa Division.
"It's a great privilege to perform in these places," Raichel told Yedioth Ahronoth. "I couldn't ask for more."
