SHUKI & AVIVA: FROM "HAIR" TO HIT RECORDS

Before Shuki Levy became a household name in children’s television as the mastermind behind iconic theme songs and shows like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, he first found fame in the music world as part of the duo Shuki & Aviva (sometimes credited as Shuky & Aviva). In 1975, Shuki partnered with Israeli actress and singer Aviva Paz to form the dynamic musical act. The two first met while starring in the Israeli stage production of Hair. Soon after they introduced their talents to London, where they performed at various nightclubs, including the world-famous Celebrity Room. With Shuki’s songwriting talent and Paz’s charismatic stage presence, the duo quickly gained recognition, setting the stage for their international success.

Their breakthrough came with the hit single Signorina Concertina, which became a massive success across Europe, selling over two million copies. This hit, along with others like Je t'aime un peu trop, Bye bye a bientot, Viens que je t'embrasse, and Fête l'amour, propelled Shuki & Aviva into the limelight, particularly in France, where they became household names. Their close association with legendary singer Mike Brant, a dear friend of Shuki’s, further boosted their popularity as they frequently toured together, performing for adoring fans across the continent. Their music found audiences far beyond Europe, reaching fans in South Africa, Japan, and other parts of Asia and Africa. By the end of their partnership, Shuki & Aviva had earned 15 gold records and had sold over 14 million albums worldwide, cementing their status as international pop sensations.

One of the key elements that set Shuki & Aviva apart was their ability to infuse Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences into their music. While rooted in the contemporary European pop sound of the era, their songs carried a distinct flavor of their Israeli heritage, incorporating exotic scales, vibrant instrumentation, and rich harmonies. This fusion of styles captivated audiences, offering a fresh and unique sound that set them apart in the global music market. Their melodies often featured the warmth and depth of traditional Middle Eastern arrangements, seamlessly blended with Western pop, making their music universally appealing. This cross-cultural approach resonated deeply, especially in France and other European countries, where audiences were drawn to their exotic yet accessible sound.

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Despite their eventual split, Shuki & Aviva’s legacy lives on, with their music continuing to be appreciated by fans of classic international pop. A Best of Shuki & Aviva album was recently released and has been well received throughout Europe, proving that their music remains timeless. For Shuki, the success of the duo was just the beginning of a career that would later see him redefine children’s television soundtracks. However, his early musical achievements with Shuki & Aviva laid the foundation for his later work, proving his ability to craft compelling melodies that could captivate audiences across different generations and cultures.

Above, you can listen to some of Shuki and Aviva’s biggest hits. Below, you can view several of their most memorable performances and media appearances.