Ali of a down

When System Ali takes the stage rapping in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and English, backed by guitar, bass, drums and 'oud, they challenge audiences to redefine ideas about hip hop, Jaffa, and Arab-Jewish cooperation.

By HANNAH WEITZER
When System Ali takes the stage rapping in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and English, backed by a band playing guitar, bass, drums and 'oud, they challenge audience members to redefine their ideas about hip hop, Jaffa, and Arab-Jewish cooperation. This rising young group brings a new flavor to the music scene - what they've dubbed "hip hop Yafowi." The seven rappers, five musicians and one DJ represent the ethnic, religious and socio-economic diversity of Jaffa, comprised of both life-long Jaffa-residents and some relative newcomers to the city. Each group member brings his or her own experiences and personal stories of life in the mixed city of Jaffa as well as a variety of musical influences ranging from rap to rock to reggae and traditional Arabic music. The group was born a year ago in the 'Markaz'- a Jaffa Youth Center founded and operated by Sadaka-Reut: Arab Jewish Youth Partnership, a national nonprofit dedicated to building bi-national cooperation and friendship. During their time working together, the group has gone through an intense process of exchange, dialogue and growth, through which they create their potent lyrics and compelling tunes. Frontman Neta Weiner says he, "knew from the beginning that this group would go far because I saw the people and their potential." He shares the spotlight with Amna Jarush and Muhammad Aguani of Jaffa and Enver Septibragimov, who came to Israel from Uzebekistan, to name a few. "The group keeps growing," he continues, "we now have a full-time DJ and a violinist and we continue mentoring and working with new rappers and musicians who will be 'the next generation' of local Jaffa musicians." Over the past year, System Ali has been performing in different venues throughout Jaffa, Tel Aviv and beyond, drawing impressive crowds whose diversity reflects that of the individuals on stage. System Ali plays on the roof of Mishkenot Ruth Daniel, Sderot Yerushalayim, Jaffa this Wednesday at 8 p.m. Check out www.myspace.com/systemalijaffa for more information about the band and upcoming shows.