This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2011) |
Yuval Banai (Hebrew: יובל בנאי; born 9 June 1962) is an Israeli musician, best known as the lead singer of the influential Israeli pop rock band Mashina.[1]
Yuval Banai | |
|---|---|
יובל בנאי | |
 Banai in 2021 | |
| Born | 9 June 1962 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Amalia Rosenblum (m. 2017) |
| Children | 4, including Elisha Banai |
| Father | Yossi Banai |
| Relatives | Banai family |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
|
| Labels | |
Career
editBanai served in the Artillery Corps of the Israel Defense Forces during the 1982 Lebanon War. While in the military, he met guitarist Shlomi Braha, with whom he formed a band. The two went in different directions after their military service ended, with Banai forming the band Shlom Ha-Tzibur ("Public Safety"). In 1984, he and Braha decided to form a new band, which they called Mashina. They released their debut album in 1985. Over the next decade, Mashina released several successful albums.
In May 1995 the group disbanded after a series of four farewell shows. Banai went on to release several solo albums: "Yuval Banai" (1997), "Rashi Dub" (1999) (produced by bass player Yossi Fine), and "Nish'ar BaMakom" ("Staying Put") (2001). Mashina reformed in 2003, and in 2005 they released an album entitled "Futuristic Romance" ("romantica atidanit"). In 2008, Banai released another solo album, "Me'ever Le'harim" ("Over the Mountains"), produced by alt-folk singer Allan Moon.
Banai has also worked as an actor, appearing in Yaky Yosha's Summertime Blues and in the movie Nadia in the 1980s, as well as in the TV series Chunt Lee (2002). Recently Banai has returned to TV, this time as a Mentor on the Israeli edition of The Voice.
His most recent musical project is titled "Mobius Trip", an electronic music project which consists of new songs as well as electronic remixes of existing work.
Aside from his musical career, Yuval Banai served as coach and mentor (alongside his teammate, Shlomi Braha) on television show, The Voice Israel in the second season.
Personal life
editYuval was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, to Ilana and Yossi Banai. He was one of the more prominent members of the Banai family, which includes many noted entertainers [2], among them Yuval Banai's uncles Gavri Banai, Ya'akov Banai and Chaim Banai (actors) and Yitzhak Banai (judge); his cousins Ehud Banai, Uri Banai, Meir Banai, and Eviatar Banai, all of whom have found success as musicians, and Orna Banai, an actress and comedian.[3]
He married actress Orly Silbersatz in 1987, and they had three children together, including Elisha Banai, before divorcing in 2007. After their divorce, Banai met screenwriter and novelist Amalia Rosenblum, his partner since then. The couple have a child together, Aaron Banai, born February 2013.[4]
Discography
editReferences
edit- ↑ Brinn, David (January 31, 2023). "Israeli Rock Band Mashina Plots Beacon Theatre Celebration, Documentary: 'We're 60 but at Our Peak,' Says Frontman Yuval Banay (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
- ↑ "The Banai family: from vegetable market sellers to Israel Prize winners | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. July 29, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
- ↑ A Deux Ex ‘Mashina’ You Wouldn’t Believe
- ↑ "יובל בנאי שר לאביו יוסי: "אני מתגעגע"". ynet (in Hebrew). November 13, 2014. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
External links
edit- Official Mashina site
- Yuval Banay at IMDb
- Yuval Banai at MOOMA (in Hebrew)
- Yuval Banai at E-Online (in Hebrew)
- Yuval Banay Quiz at LetsQuiz