Gili Yalo

Gili Yalo’s relationship with music is deeply existential. Born on 10 December 1980 in the Begemder region of Ethiopia, his life changed forever in 1984 during Operation Moses. To escape catastrophic famine, his family embarked on a grueling, covert escape on foot across the desert toward Sudan. Perched atop his father’s shoulders, a four-year-old Yalo sang to his family to keep spirits high amidst exhaustion and danger. This profound emotional journey solidified music as his ultimate tool for survival and expression. Upon safely arriving in Israel, Yalo’s vocal talents flourished. He toured Europe as a soloist with the prestigious Pirhei Yerushalaim boys' choir, sang in an IDF entertainment troop, and later spent a decade fronting the prominent Israeli reggae outfit, Zvuloon Dub System. In 2015, Yalo launched his solo project, a creative pivot that allowed him to fully embrace his roots. Rather than hiding his immigrant identity, he weaponized it into an artistic signature. Yalo’s music represents an exceptional, rich sonic bridge. Backed by a powerful five-piece band (trumpet, guitar, bass, keys, and drums), he layers the unique pentatonic scales of traditional Ethiopian music over heavy Western grooves reminiscent of James Brown, Motown soul, and Afrobeat rhythms. His discography serves as a map of this cultural fusion: Gili Yalo (2017): His self-titled debut captured international acclaim for its vivid melodies and infectious psych-funk rhythms. Made in Amharica (2019): An EP recorded in Fort Worth, Texas, with the Grammy-nominated production team Niles City Sound, bridging the gap between Dallas blues-soul and East African roots. הנה באתי באתי (2025): His newest full-length record, showcasing a deep personal evolution as he leads the groove entirely in Hebrew for the first time.