![Tula portrait](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Musicians/_1800x2250_crop_center-center_82_line/Tula-portrait.jpg)
Tula Ben Ari
“Tula’s, beauty, enormous talent and soul, all brought together in perfect harmony. Her voice is like a lighthouse that illuminates the darkness of the world.”
Rising star, Tal Ben Ari, aka, Tula, came to the public’s eye back in 2006 when her participation in the videos “Chanda Mama’” and “Lets Not Worry” with international project Playing for Change, became a huge viral hit, with millions of views on YouTube. This marked the beginning of a successful and fruitful international career as a singer and performer.
Tula was born in Tel Aviv, to a half Yemenite, half polish family. Growing with these joined roots in the melting pot of the Israel and the Middle East would influence her music deeply in the years to come. At the age of 21, Tula arrived to Barcelona, where she found a vibrant and eclectic musical scene. She started studying music in "Taller de Music” school, while alongside she worked as a street musician. She collaborated with other musicians she met from all over the world and after a short while, a talk started around town about an Israeli singer with an angel’s voice. Pretty soon she was approached with offers to join some of Barcelona’s most prominent bands of the Jazz and world music scene, such as: Asikides, Moussakis, Man Ex Maqina, 08001, the duo project Skyland, and the Cuban a capella quartet, Gema 4. (Watch Gema 4 videos)
She performed and recorded with these groups all around the world, and developed an international reputation as a versatile, virtuoso singer, who can easily perform various genres of music with enormous skill.
After developing her reputation, Tula was approached with the famous international project, Playing For Change. With PFC, she collaborated on 2 albums and 3 DVD’s of “Songs Around The World,” and became a member of the Playing For Change Band. Tula toured all around the world and performed in some of the most prestige stages and festivals a musician can dream of. Among them were NY Lincoln center, JF Kennedy center in Washington, Glastonbury festival, La Carouselle du Louvre, Teatro De San Carlo in Napoli, Byron Blues Fest, Jay Leno’s Late Night Show as well as hundreds of other festivals, in more than nine years of intensive touring.
With PFC she also won two prestigious Grammy awards in Brazil and was hailed by magazines such as Rolling Stone.
In the last decade she shared the stage with some prominent artists including Robert Plant, India.Arie, Keb' Mo', John Densmore (The Doors), Tinariwen, Baaba Maal, Ellis Hall, El Peret, Lucrecia, and many more. The success with PFC led to many other offers and opportunities. Including solo appearances with the Lyon Symphony, TED talks and countless other collaborations and projects. However, for the past three years, Tula has intentionally decreased her touring, so she could focus more on her solo career.
Tula’s solo career started back in 2012, when she recorded her first solo album Sheela, with American producer Dave Bianchi. The album was released with What About Music label and was a huge success. Following her debut album, Tula then recorded her second album, Skyland, together with Cuban singer and guitarist Mel Seme. This album, released on the same label continued Tula’s musical line, which combines Israeli folklore with Latin American and ladino influences.
Tula’s unique sound is derived from her deep roots as well as her deep immersion in the traditions of Latin American music. As well as her virtuosic ability as a singer, Tula has also mastered the guitar and the percussion as her secondary instruments. This incredible versatility allowed her to explore the different genres she created in, to their deepest levels.
In 2016, Tula moved back to Tel Aviv after 11 years abroad. In Tel Aviv, she had immediately started collaborating with some of the countries most prominent world and jazz musicians, performing all around the country and collaborating abroad. Also in 2016, Tula also started a collaboration with electronic music producers such as the famous Junno Reactor (The Matrix movies) and Haim laroz (Zehava Ben) and performing in some of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals.
How we met:
We met Tula during our second trip to Barcelona, through Pierre Minetti and Francois Viguié and recorded her on the song "Don't Worry" on a beautiful square in the center of the city.
Related Videos
![Dont Worry SAW thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_992x624_crop_center-center_82_line/Dont-Worry_SAW_thumbnail.png)
Don’t Worry | Song Around The World
![One Love SATW thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x797_crop_center-center_82_line/One-Love_SATW_thumbnail.jpg)
One Love | Song Around The World
![Chanda Mama SAWT thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x797_crop_center-center_82_line/Chanda-Mama_SAWT_thumbnail.jpg)
Chanda Mama | Song Around The World
![Ripple thumb 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Ripple-thumb-1.jpg)
Ripple (Grateful Dead) feat. Bill Kreutzmann | Song Around The World
![PEMBA LAKA SATW THUMB 2](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x668_crop_center-center_82_line/PEMBA-LAKA_SATW_THUMB_2.png)
Pemba Laka | Song Around The World
![Take Me Home Country Roads SATW thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Take-Me-Home-Country-Roads_SATW_thumbnail.png)
Take Me Home, Country Roads | Song Around The World
![Love SATW thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_992x540_crop_center-center_82_line/Love_SATW_thumbnail.png)
Love | Song Around The World
![SOUL REBEL SATW THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1200_crop_center-center_82_line/SOUL-REBEL_SATW_THUMBNAIL.png)
"Soul Rebel" featuring Bunny Wailer & Manu Chao | Song Around The World
![CHANDA MAMA SATWN THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/CHANDA-MAMA_SATWN_THUMBNAIL.png)
Chanda Mama | 10th Anniversary Song Around The World
![Singing on the Bus MEMBER EXCLUSIVE THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Singing-on-the-Bus_MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE_THUMBNAIL.png)
Singing on the Bus | Playing For Change Band | Behind the Scenes
![PFC Band Live documentary thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/PFC-Band-Live-documentary-thumb.jpg)
Playing For Change Band Live | Documentary
![Dance Me to the End of Love MEMBER EXCLUSIVE THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Dance-Me-to-the-End-of-Love_MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE_THUMBNAIL.png)
Dance Me to the End of Love | Playing For Change Band | Live
![Reggae Got Soul member exclusive thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Reggae-Got-Soul_member-exclusive_thumbnail.png)
Reggae Got Soul | Playing For Change Band | Live
![Ellis Hall the PFC Band Live in Byron Bay MEMBER EXCLUSIVE THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Ellis-Hall-the-PFC-Band-Live-in-Byron-Bay_MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE_THUMBNAIL.png)
Ellis Hall & The Playing For Change Band | Live in Byron Bay
![Love and be loved thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/love-and-be-loved-thumb.jpg)
Love and Be Loved | Tula Ben Ari | Live Outside
![Bibamba member exclusive thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x945_crop_center-center_82_line/Bibamba_member-exclusive_thumbnail.png)
Bibamba | Playing For Change Band | Live in New York
![I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free member exclusive thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x941_crop_center-center_82_line/I-Wish-I-Knew-How-it-Would-Feel-to-be-Free-_member-exclusive_thumbnail.png)
I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free | Live Outside
![Playing For Change Band Live at Showlivre member exclusive thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x628_crop_center-center_82_line/Playing-For-Change-Band-Live-at-Showlivre_member-exclusive_thumbnail.png)
Playing For Change Band Live at Showlivre
![How Sweet it is PFC Band Live thumbnail LARGE](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/How-Sweet-it-is-PFC-Band-Live-thumbnail-LARGE.jpg)
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) | Ellis Hall & the Playing For Change Band | Live
![Low Down Dirty Christmas LIVE OUTSIDE THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_992x557_crop_center-center_82_line/Low-Down-Dirty-Christmas_LIVE-OUTSIDE_THUMBNAIL.png)
Low Down Dirty Christmas | Playing For Change Band | Live Outside
![Tyrone thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Tyrone-thumb.jpg)
Tyrone | Tula Ben Ari | Live Outside
![PFC Band visits PFCF Curitiba](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/PFC-Band-visits-PFCF-Curitiba.jpg)
The Playing For Change Band Visits Playing For Change Foundation School in Brazil | Playing For Change Band
![One Love Live In Madrid Playing For Change Band pfc band thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/One-Love-Live-In-Madrid-_-Playing-For-Change-Band_pfc-band_thumbnail.png)
One Love | Playing For Change Band | Live in Madrid
![Imidiwan Afrik Tendam thumb 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Imidiwan-Afrik-Tendam-thumb-1.jpg)
Imidiwan Afrik Tendam | Playing For Change Band and Friends Live
![TEACH YOUR CHILDREN BRAZIL THUMB](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x671_crop_center-center_82_line/TEACH-YOUR-CHILDREN-BRAZIL_THUMB.png)
Teach Your Children | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil
![Fannie Mae live in Australia thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Fannie-Mae-live-in-Australia_thumbnail.png)
Fannie Mae | Playing For Change Band | Live in Australia
![TEACH YOUR CHILDREN PFCBAND THUMB](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x672_crop_center-center_82_line/TEACH-YOUR-CHILDREN_PFCBAND-THUMB.png)
Teach Your Children | Playing For Change | Live in Australia
![Pata pata thumbnail 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Pata-pata-thumbnail-1.png)
Pata Pata | Playing For Change Band | Live at Apogee Studios
![Jah Guide Live in Australia PFC BAND THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Jah-Guide-_-Live-in-Australia_PFC-BAND_THUMBNAIL.png)
Jah Guide | Playing For Change Band | Live in Australia
![Matina PFC Band live in Brazil thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Matina-PFC-Band-live-in-Brazil-thumb.jpg)
Matinda | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil
![Id rather go blind thumb 3](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Id-rather-go-blind-thumb-3.jpg)
I´d Rather Go Blind | Playing For Change Band | Live in Australia
![Yahamba Live in Australia PFC BAND THUMBNAIL 2](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Yahamba-Live-in-Australia_PFC-BAND_THUMBNAIL-2.png)
Yahamba | Playing For Change Band | Live in Australia
![Stand by me live in brazil thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Stand-by-me-live-in-brazil-thumb.jpg)
Stand By Me | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil
![Get Up Stand Up pfc band live in brazil thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Get-Up-Stand-Up-pfc-band-live-in-brazil-thumb.jpg)
Get Up Stand Up | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil
![PFC Band backstage United World Tour thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/PFC-Band-backstage-United-World-Tour-thumb.jpg)
Playing For Change Band on the Road: United World Tour 2016
![When You Come Back Vusi thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/When-You-Come-Back-Vusi-thumb.jpg)
When You Come Back | Playing For Change Band Live featuring Vusi Mahlasela
![Back to your roots pfc band live in brazil thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/back-to-your-roots-pfc-band-live-in-brazil-thumb.jpg)
Back To Your Roots | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil
![54 46 Was My Number PFC Band Live in Brazil thumb 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/54-46-Was-My-Number-_-PFC-Band-Live-in-Brazil-thumb-1.jpg)
54-46 Was My Number | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil
![Biko PFC Band live thumb 2](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Biko-PFC-Band-live-thumb-2.jpg)
Biko | Playing For Change Band | Live in New York
![A Change Is Gonna Come PFC Band Live at the Mayan Theater thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/A-Change-Is-Gonna-Come-PFC-Band-Live-at-the-Mayan-Theater_thumbnail.png)
A Change Is Gonna Come | Playing For Change Band | Live in Los Angeles
![Black Water the doobie brothers thumb 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Black-Water-the-doobie-brothers-thumb-1.jpg)
Black Water | The Doobie Brothers With The Playing For Change Band | Live in Los Angeles
![Thats What Love Will Make You Do PFC Band Live THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/That’s-What-Love-Will-Make-You-Do-PFC-Band-Live_THUMBNAIL.png)
That's What Love Will Make You Do | Playing For Change Band | Live in Australia
![Feliz Navidad 2018 thumb 2](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Feliz-Navidad-2018-thumb-2.jpg)
Feliz Navidad | Playing For Change Band | Live Outside in Brazil
![Fannie Mae PFC Band live in Salvador THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x627_crop_center-center_82_line/Fannie-Mae-PFC-Band-live-in-Salvador_THUMBNAIL.png)
Fannie Mae | Playing For Change Band | Live in Salvador
![Run PFC Band live in Goiánia THUMBNAIL](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x674_crop_center-center_82_line/Run-PFC-Band-live-in-Goiánia_THUMBNAIL.png)
Run | Playing For Change Band | Live in Goiánia
![Me Pierdo PFC Band Live in Brazil thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1200x634_crop_center-center_82_line/Me-Pierdo-PFC-Band-Live-in-Brazil_thumbnail.png)
Me Pierdo | Playing For Change Band | Live in Brazil
![A Change Is Gonna Come Thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/A-Change-Is-Gonna-Come_Thumb.png)
A Change Is Gonna Come | PFC Band Live in Australia | 20th Anniversary
![Journey of PFC Band Thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Journey-of-PFC-Band_Thumb.png)
The Journey of the PFC Band | 20th Anniversary
![Tula Sweet Child O Mine Thumb Large](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Tula_-Sweet-Child-O-Mine_Thumb-Large.png)
Sweet Child O’ Mine | Tula Ben Ari | Live Outside
![Congo to the Mississippi Thumb Large](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Congo-to-the-Mississippi_-Thumb-Large_2023-03-29-000750_nszz.jpg)
Congo to the Mississippi | Playing For Change Band | Live in Australia
![Women pf band thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/women-pf-band-thumbnail.jpg)
Women of Change: Playing For Change Band
![Jolene Thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1199_crop_center-center_82_line/Jolene-Thumbnail.jpg)
Jolene | Playing For Change Band | Billboard Live Tokyo
![Zvinoshamisav thumbnail](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1200_crop_center-center_82_line/Zvinoshamisav-thumbnail.jpg)
Zvinoshamisa | Playing For Change Band | Billboard Live Tokyo
The Journey of the PFC Band: Japan Tour | Episode 1
![PFC Band Ep 2 large thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/PFC-Band-Ep-2-large-thumb.jpg)
The Journey of the PFC Band: Japan Tour | Episode 2
![A Fool for You Thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/A-Fool-for-You-Thumb.png)
A Fool For You | Playing For Change Band | Billboard Live Osaka
![PFC Band Journey Ep3 Thumb members](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/PFC-Band-Journey-Ep3-Thumb-members.png)
The Journey of the PFC Band: Japan Tour | Episode 3 (member exclusive)
![PFC Band EP4 Thumbnaill 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/PFC-Band-EP4-Thumbnaill-1.jpg)
The Journey of the PFC Band: Japan Tour | Episode 4 (member exclusive)
![WOTWTC Collage Thumbnail 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/WOTWTC-Collage-Thumbnail-1.png)
Waiting on the World to Change | Song Around The World
![PFC Band Tyrone Thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/PFC-Band_Tyrone_Thumb.png)
Tyrone | Playing For Change Band | Live in La Paz
![Whats Up Dont Worry Be Happy](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1200_crop_center-center_82_line/Whats-Up_Dont-Worry-Be-Happy.jpeg)
What’s Up / Don't Worry Be Happy | PFC Band | Live at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2024
![Higher Ground Thumbnail 1](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1013_crop_center-center_82_line/Higher-Ground-Thumbnail-1.jpg)
Higher Ground | Playing For Change Band | Live at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2024
![Tears on my Pillow Thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1200_crop_center-center_82_line/Tears-on-my-Pillow_Thumb.jpeg)
Tears on My Pillow | Playing For Change Band | Live Outside
![Dance Me to the End of Love Thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/Dance-Me-to-the-End-of-Love_-Thumb.png)
Dance Me to the End of Love | Tula & Jason Tamba | Live Outside (member exclusive)
![I shot the sheriff thumb opt 2](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/I-shot-the-sheriff-thumb-opt-2.png)
I Shot the Sheriff | Playing For Change Band | Live at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2024
![When the Levee Breaks PFC Band Thumb](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/When-the-Levee-Breaks-PFC-Band_-Thumb.png)
When the Levee Breaks | PFC Band | Live at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2024
![Tulathumbnailvoicesofconfortt](https://d1bxnw4yi2rcwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/images/Video-thumbnails/_1800x1012_crop_center-center_82_line/tulathumbnailvoicesofconfortt.png)