Born in Israel of Ethiopian parents, Ester Rada has been called the ‘new soul of the Middle East’. Her first self-written and composed solo EP called Life Happens, released in 2013, was a confident recording. In that year she also performed at the Glastonbury Festival and toured across the US, Canada and Europe. Moreover, she was nominated for Best Israeli Act at the MTV European Music Awards. Her cross-cultural sound and powerful personality are a direct consequence of her difficult youth. Growing up in a religious Jewish family in more than modest conditions, music offered Rada a means of escape. Her self-titled debut album was released early last year to positive reviews. Rada has been praised for the way in which she combines classic and modern soul. Alicia Keys is an admirer. After Rada opened for her in Israel, the diva had this to say: ‘She’s amazing!’
