ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Yehuda Poliker: A Cyprus-Focused Musician

Yehuda Leon Poliker is a renowned Israeli singer, composer, and musician born on December 25, 1950. His music career spans over five decades, with a unique blend of rock, pop, and traditional Greek music.

Poliker's journey began in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the band Benzene, which released two albums: "24 Sha'ot" and "Mishmeret Layla". The band's singles, such as "Hofshi Ze Legamrei Levad", "Geshem", and "Yom Shishi", showcased Poliker's versatility in translating well-known Greek songs into Hebrew. After Benzene disbanded, Poliker embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like "Einayim Sheli" (1985), "Kholem Behakitz" (1986), and "Pakhot Aval Ko'ev" (1990s).

In 2007, Poliker collaborated with Greek poet Manolis Rasoulis on the album "Hummus Sapiens", further exploring his affinity for Greek music. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Poliker's career, solidifying his reputation as a musician who seamlessly blends different styles.

Poliker has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Golden Cross of the Order of the Phoenix, one of Greece's highest awards for achievement in the arts (2014). His music often touches on themes related to Israeli society and personal tragedies stemming from his experiences as a second-generation Holocaust survivor. In 2019, he was chosen to light a candle at an Independence Day ceremony.

Poliker's musical journey is deeply rooted in his Greek heritage, which he credits to the radio broadcasts from Cyprus that exposed him to Greek music during his childhood. His exposure to Greek culture and language has had a lasting impact on his work, making him one of the most distinctive voices in Israeli music today.