'Israeli' singers under fire for stealing viral Egyptian track
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
'Israeli' pop stars Noa Kirel and Eden Ben Zaken are facing mounting criticism on social media following the release of their collaborative single “Ani Meshakeret?” (“Am I Lying?”), with listeners accusing the duo of copying a viral Egyptian music trend.
The backlash emerged shortly after the song’s release, as users across TikTok, Instagram, and X began comparing the track to the Egyptian viral hit “Tab Ana Kaddab?” (“Am I a Liar?”), which gained widespread popularity across the Arab world in recent months.
The original Egyptian trend features a comedic spoken-style performance in which the singer humorously claims exaggerated achievements and celebrity encounters before a chorus responds, “Am I a liar? No, no.”
Social media users noted that Kirel and Ben Zaken’s song follows a nearly identical structure, rhythm, and some of the lyrics.
Side-by-side comparisons fuel criticism
One of the most discussed similarities involves a specific celebrity reference sequence. In the Egyptian version, the singer jokes, “I am actually dating Georgina, and in a fight I knocked out John Cena,” while the Hebrew version similarly states, “I drank a chaser with Georgina, and I knocked out John Cena.”
The parallels continue throughout both songs, with each featuring exaggerated claims about luxury lifestyles, celebrity friendships, and elite social circles.
While the Egyptian track references having breakfast in the UAE and mingling with high-profile figures, the 'Israeli' version includes partying in Dubai alongside references to Kim Kardashian and the President of the United States Donald Trump.
Critics also pointed to the nearly identical song structure employed in both versions. Each track relies on a rhythmic monologue filled with absurd fabricated claims, immediately followed by a repetitive chorus denying the deception. The Arabic refrain “Tab ana kaddab? La, la” closely mirrors the Hebrew “Ani meshakeret? Lo, lo.”
Social media criticism grows
The similarities quickly triggered criticism online, with many users accusing the artists of releasing what they described as a translated imitation rather than an original production.
Comments criticizing the track spread widely across Arabic and Hebrew-speaking social media platforms, with users accusing the singers of cultural appropriation and a lack of artistic originality, turning what was expected to be a major summer release into a controversial topic across regional entertainment circles.
Neither Kirel nor Ben Zaken, nor their production teams, have publicly responded to the allegations.
