International Stardom Hits Roadblock: Israeli Singer Loses Millions
Israeli musician Mark Eliyahu reveals devastating financial losses and career setbacks in Turkey following October 7, including cancelled shows and loss of streaming audience.
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Mark Eliyahu, one of Israel’s most successful musicians and a household name internationally, has opened up about the severe professional and financial impact he has faced following the events of October 7. Once the most-streamed Israeli artist in Turkey, Eliyahu says he has now been effectively blacklisted in the country.
In recent interview, Eliyahu explained that 35 of his scheduled performances in Turkey were canceled, not due to fan demand, but because of an anti-Israel campaign orchestrated by an organization seeking to boycott him.
“This wasn’t about my audience,” he said. “It was part of a funded boycott campaign against me, and it completely undermined my career.”
Eliyahu recounted the personal and professional toll:
“I was trending on social media, but not for the right reasons. My songs had held the top spots on Spotify in Turkey for months. Suddenly, tens of thousands of followers disappeared overnight. I lost over one million euros, around four million shekels.”
The musician’s story highlights the intersection of politics, social media, and the global music industry, showing how international events can dramatically affect even the most successful artists.