b. c.1986, Jerusalem, Israel. As a pianist, Karbasi studied classical music before developing as a singer. Influenced by her mother, Shosana Karbasi, who sang traditional songs associated with Morocco and Spain, Karbasi draws some of her repertoire from ancient musical forms of Sephardic Jews. She also took an interest in flamenco and sang in Jerusalem with Peña Flamenca. Karbasi sings mainly in Hebrew, Spanish and especially Ladino, the language of Jews who were driven from Spain at the end of the fifteenth century.
Based in London since 2004, Karbasi has collaborated often with electric violinist Pascal Roggen, percussionist Andres Ticino and notably electric guitarist Joseph Tayor, known for his band Blackbud. In 2007, Karbasi was at a WOMAD show in the UK. Karbasi's unusual repertoire allied to her stylish performances has attracted favourable critical attention. Although rooted firmly in the distant past, Karbasi's approach accommodates contemporary music and she sings many songs written especially for her, some of which have lyrics written by her mother.
