Silverdon Fuses Reggae Sounds With Middle East Culture On ‘Bye Bye Bye’
Israeli dancehall-reggae artist Silverdon has released his latest single titled Bye Bye Bye. The single is a frank portrayal of a real-life toxic relationship that he experienced years ago.
“I happened to be left by a woman after she found out that I’ve been with another woman, but that was during a two-day breakup. Her impression was that I cheated but I didn’t. She didn’t want to listen to what I had to say and she left. I swallowed my pride and begged her to come back. I think that Middle East men and Jamaican men have the same issues about pride,” said Silverdon.
Silverdon – whose real name is Gili Binyamin – is from the town of Ashdod, located in south of Tel Aviv in Israel.
In his youth, Silverdon spent extended time in Jamaica during the 1990s, where he learnt the culture and collaborated with producers and recording artists.
He recalled how he was introduced to reggae and dancehall music as a child.
“As a kid, I travelled with my father, who was a seaman, to Africa. We would often listen to the latest music from Jamaica in those times, mostly music from Bob Marley’s catalogue. From Bob’s music to other reggae albums, dancehall mix tapes those built up my appetite for the music. I was even the lead vocalist of a reggae band while I was doing military service. Back then, I always dreamt of becoming a reggae artiste,” said Silverdon.
The Middle East has gradually warmed up to reggae and dancehall music. In Dubai, dancehall/reggae acts such as Grammy winners Sean Paul, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, Jah Cure and Shenseea have made regular appearance as the city’s expatriate community has grown rapidly, with the country has gradually relaxed its strict religious customs. There is even an annual Beachfest show which showcases old school reggae and dancehall music in Dubai.
Reggae music, that Rastafarian vehicle of expression, is loved by both Palestinians and Israelis. Israel has a vibrant reggae-loving community. The Rastafarian people see the Jewish people as kindred and both faiths share similarities. In this expression of faith, Rastafarians stand with the Jewish people and with the State of Israel and this gesture has been reciprocated in no small measures.
Silverdon is aware of this synergy.
“My interest in doing reggae and dancehall music is out of love. After my collaboration with Beenie Man on a big show in Israel, and freestyle with him on the leading radio station in Israel. I received a lot of attention and support from the people,” he said.