For DJ RAPHI (Raphael Nathan), the moment his YouTube channel became something much bigger than a collection of dance videos didn't come from watching view counts climb. It came when families from around the world began sending him videos of children dancing along at home, in schools and community centers. Seeing hundreds of messages from people outside Israel convinced him his content was reaching a global audience and inspired him to invest fully in building his online platform.
That journey recently reached another milestone as DJ RAPHI surpassed 1 billion YouTube views and completed a successful tour across nine U.S. states, including a performance at Colorado's iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Standing before a crowd of 10,000 people singing along to his songs was, he said, the realization of a dream he had carried since his teenage years. As an Israeli performer, he described the experience as surreal and deeply meaningful, saying he remains grateful and still "buzzing" from the show.
Interview with Raphael Nathan
(Yaron Brenner)
The success has also brought unforgettable encounters with young fans. Children regularly arrive at performances dressed as the entertainer, complete with his signature glasses, hat and all-black outfit. Families have traveled across the United States, including from Hawaii, to attend his shows, while parents have shared stories of how his videos helped children cope with illness or other personal challenges. Those moments, he said, transformed his understanding of his work, showing him that the music provides encouragement, confidence and joy far beyond entertainment
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DJ RAPHI surpassed 1 billion YouTube views and completed a successful tour across nine US states
(Photo: Raphael Nathan's courtesy)
The past two years have also brought challenges. Since October 7, DJ RAPHI said he has faced online hostility because of his Israeli identity, including management companies that declined to work with him and calls on social media to boycott his content. At the same time, he said he found strong support from industry leaders, signing with major talent agency WME and a new management team that embraced both his work and his Israeli identity.
Since October 7, DJ RAPHI said he has faced online hostility because of his Israeli identity
(Photo: Raphael Nathan's courtesy)
Rather than discouraging him, the criticism strengthened his determination to continue creating. He recalled a recent moment at New York's JFK Airport when a TSA officer recognized him, told him his children love his songs and greeted him with "Shalom." Encounters like that, he said, remind him that many people connect with Israel through music, dance and positive experiences. Looking ahead, DJ RAPHI is preparing another U.S. tour in November, with plans for 10 additional shows, an expanded production and an even bigger stage as his global audience continues to grow.