Sahar Z is an Israeli house DJ and producer, also identified as Sahar Zangilevich. He grows up in Israel and begins playing piano at a young age, then moves into record collecting and DJing after being influenced by Pink Floyd, The Art of Noise and other 1980s music.

Career

He starts DJing at the Pythagoras club in Jerusalem at 17. Over the next three years he plays clubs in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv before becoming resident DJ at Haoman 17 in Jerusalem. In the summer of 1997 he moves to New York City, where a series of private parties leads to invitations to play at the Tunnel, beginning a run of guest residencies there and helping establish his international profile.

He later headlines alongside DJs including Dimitri, Eric E, Tiësto, Terry Francis, G Masters, Dave Angel, John Acquaviva, Plastikman, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. Deep Dish also refer to him as “the best kept secret of the Middle East” on their album Yoshiesque 2. He performs for crowds in China, Australia, Europe and the US.

Releases and production work

As a producer, he releases tracks nationally and internationally. He produces the first Haoman 17 compilation CD, which is described as a breakthrough project. His first solo track, “Kenny’s Back”, is a collaboration with Guy Gerber and is licensed by Whoop Records; it appears in sets by Sasha, Digweed, Deep Dish and other international DJs. He also signs to produce a series of compilation CDs for Phonokol Records and to work for the ID&T label.

Awards and events

He wins the International MTV DJ Awards contest and appears at international dance music events including Dance Valley in Holland, Dancetour 2002 world cruises, Inner-city in New Zealand and QueensDay 2003 in Amsterdam.

Other activity

His profile leads to endorsement work with Fila International, which features him in an international catalogue. He remains closely associated with his residency at Haoman 17 in Jerusalem.