Today we’d like to introduce you to Itay Benda.
Hi itay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Jerusalem, and music has been the heartbeat of my life since childhood. I started with a hand drum at age six, then moved on to the keyboard at nine, drums at twelve, and eventually the guitar. I never studied music formally — I was just deeply passionate. I spent years teaching myself every instrument I connected with, practicing obsessively and following my ears and intuition.
Even without formal training, I quickly found myself performing as a drummer alongside some of Israel’s most famous singers. That early exposure to the stage gave me a deep appreciation for the energy of live music and the emotional power it carries.
Fifteen years ago, I moved to Los Angeles and continued evolving as a musician and performer. Today, I sing in 48 languages and use my voice to connect cultures, tell stories, and spread joy. Many people know me through my viral videos — singing spontaneously for strangers in their native languages and witnessing the magic that happens when someone feels truly seen and heard.
For me, music isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, connection, and healing. Whether it’s at a concert, a wedding, or an online moment, I believe music can bridge even the deepest divides — and I try to live that belief in every performance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Being a musician is full of uncertainty. For years, the biggest challenge was simply making a living while staying true to my art. There were times I could barely afford rent or basic expenses. I had to let go of a lot of comforts and live with constant pressure.
But I always believed that hard work would pay off — and more importantly, I fell in love with the process. Waking up, walking into my little studio, creating something out of nothing — that made me the happiest person in the world. Even during the toughest seasons, I never lost that fire. For me, it was never just about reaching a goal — it was about the journey, the daily discipline, and the love for the craft itself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a multilingual singer, musician, and performer based in Los Angeles. I specialize in singing in 48 languages — not just phonetically, but with deep attention to emotion, pronunciation, and cultural nuance. Music is my way of connecting with people across borders, faiths, and backgrounds.
What I’m probably most known for are my spontaneous performances — especially singing to strangers in their native languages, often online, and seeing their faces light up with surprise and emotion. Some of those videos have gone viral and reached millions of people worldwide. But beyond the numbers, what I’m most proud of is the emotional reaction — when someone says, “This gave me hope,” or “I felt seen.”
My work blends music with cultural bridge-building. I sing at weddings, interfaith events, cultural festivals, and solo concerts — always with the intention of uniting people, not just entertaining them.
What sets me apart is the combination of musical versatility, emotional authenticity, and cross-cultural fluency. I don’t just cover songs — I live them. I immerse myself in the culture, the sound, and the story behind each one.
Whether it’s in Hebrew, Farsi, Arabic, Turkish, Swahili, French, or Japanese — I sing to remind people that no matter where we’re from, we’re far more connected than we think.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itaybenda?igsh=em52c3R1ODIzeGh1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itaybenda?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/fIezr6T1bmk?si=Wp1WcfhT2a4K2DFc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@itaybenda?_t=ZP-8xUVcwLpc8V&_r=1
Image Credits
Noir production
Shahab kettel
