“Im Nin’alu” is a mesmerizing world music and electronic fusion song by Ofra Haza, originally released in 1978 and later re-recorded in 1988 as a dance remix, which became an international hit. The song is based on a traditional Hebrew poem “Im Nin’alu” (אם ננעלו) written by Rabbi Shalom Shabazi, a 17th-century Jewish mystic from Yemen.
Im Nin’alu reflects spiritual devotion, with its opening line “If the gates of the righteous are locked, the gates of heaven are never closed” expressing faith and divine connection. Haza’s soulful and hypnotic vocals, sung in Hebrew and Arabic-influenced melodies, give the song a deeply mystical and haunting quality.
Musically, the 1978 version was a traditional a cappella recording, while the 1988 version incorporated electronic beats, synthesizers, and a dance rhythm, blending Yemeni folk music with contemporary pop and club sounds. This fusion made the song a groundbreaking global hit, introducing Middle Eastern and North African sounds to a Western pop audience.
The 1988 remix was a major success, reaching No. 1 on the German charts, No. 15 in the UK, and gaining popularity in clubs worldwide. It became one of the first world music songs to achieve mainstream crossover success.
The music video features Ofra Haza in desert landscapes, adorned in traditional Middle Eastern attire, reinforcing the song’s cultural roots and ethereal beauty.
Over the years, Im Nin’alu has been sampled and remixed by various artists, including Eric B. & Rakim’s “Paid in Full”, helping to solidify its legacy as a pioneering track in world music and electronic fusion. It remains one of Ofra Haza’s most iconic and influential songs, symbolizing her unique ability to bridge traditional and modern sounds.