Zohar Argov
Israeli Mizrahi singer known as 'the king' and a controversial figure.
Zohar Argov (born Zohar Orkabi; July 16, 1955 – November 6, 1987) was an Israeli singer known for his distinctive voice in the Mizrahi music scene. He is widely referred to in Israel as 'The king of Mizrahi music,' but remains a divisive figure due to a rape conviction and subsequent charges.
Quick Facts
- Native Name
- he · זוהר ארגוב
- Background
- solo_singer
- Birth Name
- Zohar Orkabi
- Birth Date
- 16 July 1955
- Birth Place
- Rishon LeZion, Israel
- Origin
- Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Death Date
- 6 November 1987 · 1955 · 07 · 16
- Death Cause
- Accidental suicide by hanging
- Genre
- Mizrahi, rock
- Years Active
- 1977–1987
- Label
- The Ruveni Brothers
- Spouse
- Bracha Tzabari (1972–1978)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Zohar Argov was born in Rishon LeZion to Yemenite immigrants Ovadia and Yona Orkabi, the eldest of ten children. He dropped out of school at 14 to work in construction, married Bracha Tzabari in 1972, and had a son, Gili. He was exempted from military service due to his family situation. In 1977, he released his first single under the name Argov, chosen because he felt Orkabi would not 'sound good' to the media. The single was unsuccessful, and he soon incurred debts, lost his property, and his marriage ended. In 1979, he was arrested for raping a woman after offering her a ride home; during his trial, he commented, 'There is no girl who doesn't want it, you just have to know how to take her,' leading to his conviction and a one-year prison sentence.
Reader's Guide
Zohar Argov is a pivotal yet polarizing figure in Israeli culture. He is credited with introducing Mizrahi music—a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean style—into the Israeli mainstream at a time when radio favored pop from overseas. His commercial success and the annual memorial concerts organized by the Israel Broadcasting Authority from 1990 cemented his legacy as 'the king' of the genre. However, his life is also seen as emblematic of the sociocultural tragedies faced by Mizrahi singers in Israel, marked by poverty, addiction, and legal troubles. His rape conviction and subsequent charges continue to make him a divisive figure. His story has been widely discussed, and a drug rehabilitation center was proposed in his name. Despite his controversies, his music remains influential, and his death—ruled an accidental suicide—underscores the complexities of his legacy.
Did You Know?
- Argov changed his surname from Orkabi to Argov, choosing the name of composer Sasha Argov, because he felt Orkabi would not 'sound good' to the media.
- His song 'HaPerah BeGani' won the Mizrahi Music Festival in 1982, despite Argov disliking the song and wanting to perform a different one.
- An investigation into his death concluded his death was a suicide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zohar Argov?
Zohar Argov, born Zohar Orkabi on July 16, 1955, in Rishon LeZion, was an Israeli vocalist celebrated for his raw, powerful voice in the Mizrahi music scene. He is popularly nicknamed 'the king of Mizrahi music' in Israel.
What made Zohar Argov's music stand out?
Argov's performances combined Middle Eastern melodic phrasing with a gritty, emotionally intense stage presence that distinguished him from the polished mainstream pop of his era. His vocal style helped define what the Mizrahi genre sounded like in the 1980s.
How did Zohar Argov die?
He took his own life on November 6, 1987, while detained in a police cell in Rishon LeZion. He was just 32 years old.
Why is Zohar Argov a divisive figure in Israel?
His legacy is complicated by a rape conviction and further criminal charges, alongside a well-documented struggle with drug addiction. These legal and personal issues continue to fuel debate about separating his art from his actions.
What is Zohar Argov's lasting impact on Israeli music?
Argov is widely credited with helping push Mizrahi music into the national spotlight during the 1980s, giving the genre a level of cultural legitimacy it had previously lacked. Many later Mizrahi artists cite his vocal approach and stage energy as a foundational influence.
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