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Israelis Turn Beatboxer Pro

Even if Hebrew-language skills still elude him

by
Sara Ivry
August 21, 2009

South African native King Cano Huricane Kwa-Zulu spent 15 years traveling the world and beatboxing for handouts. Once he got to Israel, where he’s now settled, the reactions of fans convinced him to go pro. “People loved it,” he tells Haaretz. “They said chaval al ha’zman, chaval al ha’zman. I don’t even remember how they say it—it’s just a word that means super amazing, great.” Well, no. It’s actually three words that mean “too bad about the time,” or, more colloquially, “time’s a wasting.” But the point’s the same: get on with your career! Which he did, thanks to supportive Israelis. And, anway, it’s the beats that are his majesty’s forte—listen to them yourself at around minute two of this video.

Sara Ivry is the host of Vox Tablet, Tablet Magazine’s weekly podcast. Follow her on Twitter@saraivry.