In addition to promoting his upcoming tour in March, Raichel also insisted that a large part of his motivation in touring is to improve Israel's image abroad.
By MIRIAM A. SHAVIVidan raichel 88 298(photo credit: )
Idan Raichel made a special stopover in Jerusalem last week to be interviewed by Cleveland's most popular radio hosts, John Lanigan and Chip Kullik of WMJI majic 105.7.
Kullik and Lanigan are visiting Israel as part of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland's program - "America's Voices in Israel". The program invites popular radio hosts to spend a week broadcasting to their listeners in the US from the state-of-the-art facilities located at The Jerusalem Post's headquarters.
When 28-year-old Raichel walked into the 'Post' several heads turned. It was difficult not to notice his trademark dreadlocks, or the stunning Ethiopian model by his side, who he modestly referred to as "my lady." Esti, his girlfriend of 5 months, proudly accompanied Raichel into the studio and charmed the Cleveland hosts, who encouraged her to break up with Raichel should he suffer a dry spell and need inspiration.
Kullik and Lanigan didn't necessarily agree that Raichel was "good looking" as Esti insisted, nor did they have the easiest time pronouncing his name, but seemed impressed nonetheless by his multi-cultural melting pot sound and the triple platinum status of his record. The Cleveland hosts also seemed convinced that Raichel was a global star in the making.
In addition to promoting his upcoming American tour beginning in March, Raichel also insisted that a large part of his motivation in touring is to improve Israel's image abroad.
Apart from Raichel, Lanigan and Kullik have interviewed numerous well- known Israeli figures during their stay, including Ra'anan Gissin, Avner Shalev, Nachman Shai, and Daniel Rogov.
