Teapacks
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 in Sderot, Israel |
| Headquarters | Sderot , Israel |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Teapacks—also referred to as Tipex ()—is an Israeli musical group established in 1988 under the name HaHotzaa La'Poal (Hebrew: , meaning The Execution) in Sderot, Israel. Originally inspired by the correction fluid Tipp-Ex, the band altered the English transliteration of their name in 1995 to prevent trademark conflicts, while retaining the original Hebrew spelling and pronunciation.
The ensemble's members hail from a rich mosaic of ethnic origins, including Tunisian, Moroccan, Bulgarian, Romanian, Syrian, Polish, Russian, and Yemenite descent. Teapacks achieved notable commercial acclaim by fusing traditional Israeli-oriental melodies with a touch of lighthearted humor. Under the leadership of Kobi Oz—recognized for his unique artistic approach—the group has produced eight studio albums alongside a greatest hits compilation, collectively surpassing 300,000 copies sold. They have frequently been awarded the title of “Band of the Year” by various Israeli radio outlets.
Formation and Early Development: 1988–1994
The band’s inception dates back to November 6, 1988, when vocalist and keyboardist Kobi Oz connected with bassist Gal Peremen at a kibbutz in southern Israel. Guitarist Einav Cohen and drummer Tamir Yemini soon joined them, culminating in their debut performance at Kibbutz Dorot in December of that year. During 1988 and 1989, Oz released two singles under his own name. After Cohen and Yemini departed in 1989, Yoav Nagar and Ram Yosifov became part of the lineup. The group adopted the name Tipex and issued a five-track demo tape symbolizing their aim to "erase divisions among people." They also participated in a festival held in February 1990.
By September 1990, the band’s roster consisted of Oz, Peremen, Cohen, and Nagar as they recorded two tracks together. Later that year, Yosifov returned to replace Cohen. From 1991 onward, the trio of Oz, Peremen, and Yosifov formed the core of the band. After Nagar’s exit in 1991, Avinoam Marton took his place. This formation released their first album Shvil klipot hagarinim in September 1992, featuring the popular track "Harabi Joe Capara." During production of their subsequent album Haacharon baasiron hatachton (The Last of the Lower Class), Yemini rejoined the band replacing Marton. Released in November 1993, this album included well-received songs such as "Betoch niyar eiton," "Zmanim ktanim," and "Anana."
Rising Success and Yemini’s Departure: 1995–1998
In response to Oz’s concerns about unauthorized use of the Tipp-Ex brand name, the band modified its English spelling to TeaPacks (initially with a space) in 1995 and launched their third album Hachaim shelcha belafa (Your Life in a Lapha). This record featured singles like "Ma asit?" (What Have You Done?) and "Yesh li chavera" (I Have a Girlfriend). The following year they produced the soundtrack for the popular comedy film Dogs are Colour Blind, during which Oz notably shaved his head.
Their fifth release, Neshika ladod, came out in 1997 including singles such as "Lama halacht mimenu" (Why Did You Leave Me?), a duet with then-emerging artist Sarit Hadad. After completing tours supporting this album, Yemini left once again and was succeeded by Motti Yosef. The band expanded its lineup by adding Dani Aberjel on second guitar, Noam Yankelevich on keyboards, and Meir "Big M" Amar handling DJ duties, sampling, and sound engineering—this configuration later gained international recognition during Eurovision 2007.
Continued Activity: 1999–2007
With this expanded ensemble, Teapacks released "Disko menayak" (Disco Maniac), which included hits like "Sami veSomo" and "Kshani eitcha ani kemo dag" (When I'm With You I'm Like a Fish). Their 2001 album Yoshvim bebeit kafe (Sitting in a Cafe) produced singles such as its title track alongside "Kemo lifnei 20 shana" (Like It Was 20 Years Ago).
In 2002 they released a standalone single called "Avaryan tzatzua" (Wannabe Criminal), connected to Oz’s book bearing the same title. The subsequent year brought additional non-album singles: "Hayamim haacherim" (The Other Days) and "Kol yom ani kimaat" (Every Day I Feel...).
June 2003 saw the arrival of "Rikudei amba" (Amba Dancing), a satirical take on popular Israeli dance styles. Concurrently they issued their greatest hits collection Kol halehitim, which included a bonus disc titled Haosef Haalternateapacks containing earlier singles and remixes. This compilation also featured a rendition of Israel's national anthem Hatikva performed alongside Sarit Hadad. A Russian-language adaptation of "Rikudei amba," named "Tantsuyem amba," was made available free on their website as well as a B-side promotional track.
In 2005 Teapacks released the single "Sof hashavua masiba" (Weekend Party). Their 2006 album Radio/Musika/Ivrit ("Radio/Music/Hebrew") showcased singles including "Kluv shel zahav" (Cage of Gold) and "Perach ha-shchunot" (Flower of the Community). The song "Hora nadlanim" (Real Estate Agent's Hora) was also translated into English under the title "Money Trees Forever."
Eurovision and hiatus: 2007-2009
On 7 January 2007, the Israel Broadcasting Authority's Eurovision Committee chose Teapacks to represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Helsinki, Finland. On 27 February, the band showcased four songs during a televised special, with "Push the Button" ultimately selected through public voting as their official entry. They performed this track during the Eurovision Semi-Finals on 10 May 2007 but did not advance to the final round. The song stirred controversy because of its allusions to Iran and nuclear conflict.
Teapacks officially ceased activity on 1 January 2009. In an interview from November 2008, lead singer Oz attributed the decision to exhaustion experienced by the three core members. While on break, Oz released two solo albums titled Mizmorei nevochim and Mizmorim nosafim, whereas Yosifov dedicated his time to teaching guitar and collaborating with various musicians.
Comeback: 2014-present
The band reunited in 2014 and resumed live performances. Their most recent album, Avodat kapayim (Manual Labour), came out in September 2016, preceded by singles such as "Mi haprovintsial" and the title track "Avodat kapayim." Although Yemini rejoined, he had embraced Orthodox Judaism during his absence; due to religious restrictions, Motti Yosef appeared in the music video for "Mi haprovintzial" instead. Oz has explained the religious hurdles they encountered to continue performing alongside Yemini.
Since their reunion, concerts have incorporated PowerPoint slides synchronized with lyrics—a technique Oz introduced from his solo career. Several new members—Adam Mader (mandolin), Sefi Hirsch (violin), Shachar Yampolsky (keyboards, acoustic guitar), Danielle Krief (backing vocals), and Noam Chen (percussion)—transitioned from Oz’s solo ensemble into Teapacks.
A website looping the chorus of "Harabi Joe Capara," originally created in 2006, gained renewed attention in 2011 following coverage by Vsauce.
In 2019, Teapacks shifted their strategy toward releasing singles rather than full albums, beginning with "#BBBBB" in August. The track "Dachlilim," which originated during their reunion phase, was released in June 2020.
Prior to October 7, 2023, the group was developing a new album but temporarily halted touring to perform for refugees and soldiers throughout Israel. On 22 August 2024, they announced their album Shawarma Beach, following a July release of Shachachnu eich lachlom, a compilation gathering singles from 2018 to 2024. Shawarma Beach was officially released on 20 September and features eleven new songs along with "Croque Madame Croque Monsieur," a track initially included on their 2007 Eurovision promotional CD.
Studio albums
- Shvil Klipot Hagarinim (The Path of Sunflower Seeds) - 1992
- Ha'acharon Ba'asiron Hatachton (The Last of the Lower Class) - 1993
- Hachaim Shelcha Be'laffa (Your Life in a Laffa) - 1995
- Klavim Lo Novchim Beyarok (Dogs Do Not Bark When It’s Green) - 1996 (Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- Neshika Ladod (A Kiss to the Uncle) - 1997
- Disco Menayak (Disco Jerk; also derogatory slang for a Police officer) - 1999
- Yoshvim Beveit Caffe (Sitting in a Coffee Shop) - 2001
- Radio Musica Ivrit (Radio Hebrew Music) - 2006
- Avodat Kapayim (Manual Labour) - 2016
- Shawarma Beach - 2024
Anthologies
- Kol Halehitim (Collection of Hits) - 2003
- Haosef Haromanti (Romantic Anthology) - 2010
- Shirim Nosafim (Additional Songs) - 2016
- Shachachnu Eich Lachlom (We Have Forgotten How to Dream) - 2024
Individual Tracks
- Silonim - 1988
- Lispor kvasim - 1989
- Harabi Joe Capara - 1992
- Ani ohev otech - 1992
- Rikud ha-Pasadoble - 1992
- Im yipol gorale - 1993
- Hadoar ba hayom - 1993
- Em ve achot - 1993
- Shir ha-PAZAM - 1993
- Betoch niyar iton - 1994
- Zmanim ktanim - 1994
- Ma asit? - 1995
- Yesh li chavera - 1995
- Vehapam shir ahava - 1995
- Gever romanti - 1996
- Eize olam - 1997
- Lama halacht mimenu feat. Sarit Hadad - 1997
- Stam - 1997
- Sami ve Somo - 1999
- Shalosh balayla - 1999
- Kshani eitcha ani kemo dag - 2000
- Yoshvim bebeit kafe - 2001
- Kmo lifnei esrim shana - 2001
- Avaryan tzatzua - 2002
- Rikudei amba - 2003
- Hayamim haacharim - 2003
- Kol yom ani kimaat - 2003
- Sof hashavua mesiba - 2005
- Ten li chatima - 2006
- Kluv shel zahav - 2006
- Hora nadlanim - 2006
- Push the Button - 2007
- Mi haprovintzial - 2016
- Tsemed aylot - 2016
- Layla layla tov - 2016
- Ma iti? - 2016
- Avodat kapayim - 2016
- Lo haya lano klum - 2016
Video Clips
- Ani rotze leshachpel otach (cover of Svika Pick)
- Harabi Joe Capara (early demo from 1991)
- Harabi Joe Capara
- Yaron Zehavi beshvil klipot hagarinim
- Hadoar ba hayom
- Shir belachatz
- Betoch niyar iton
- Anana
- Shir ha-PAZAM
- Ma asit?
- Yesh li chavera
- Vehapam shir ahava
- Hachaim shelcha belafa
- Eize olam
- Od shabat
- Lama halacht mimenu
- Stam
- Sami ve Somo
- Shifchat hazorem
- Yoshvim bebeit kafe
- Kmo lifnei esrim shana
- Veat veat veat
- Ilu hayit
- Rikudei amba
- Kol yom ani kimaat
- Kluv shel zahav
- Hora nadlanim
- Ten li chatima
- Push the Button
- Mi haprovintsial
- Layla layla tov (lyric video)
- Ma iti?
- Avodat kapayim
- #BBBBBB (collaboration with BEMET)
Present Members
- Kobi Oz – lead vocals since inception in 1988, keyboards from 1988 to 1990
- Ram Yosifov – guitar, mandolin, backing vocals (1989-1990, resumed from 1991 to present)
- Gal Peremen – bass guitar and backing vocals since the band's formation in 1988
- Tamir Yemini – drums and backing vocals intermittently (1988-1989, 1993-1997, 2001–2002, and from 2014 onwards)
- Shahar Yampolsky – keyboards and acoustic guitar since 2014
- Danielle Krief – female lead and backing vocals starting in 2014
- Adam Mader – whistle, trumpet, mandolin, violin, backing vocals active since 2014
* Sefi Asfuri Hirsch – violin and accordion from 2014 to present * Noam Chen – drums member beginning in 2014
Past Members
- Einav Cohen – guitar during periods of 1988–1989 and in 1990
- Yoav Nagar – drummer between years of 1989 and 1991
- Avinoam Marton – drums player from 1991 until 1993
- Ronit Shefi – accordionist, keyboardist, backing vocals from 1993 to 1994
- Sharon Ben Zadok – provided backing vocals, tambourine, and dance performances between years of 1994 and 1996
- Uri Miles – accordionist active between years of 1995 and 1998
- Nuriel Amar – violinist from the period of 1995 to 1998
- Dani Aberjel – guitarist for the band from the year of 1998 through to 2009
- Moti Joseph – drummer during two tenures: from ’98 to ’00 and ’02 to ’09
* Noam Yankelevich – keyboardist active between years of ’98 and ’09 * Meir Amar – DJ responsible for sound effects, samples, and backing vocals during the years ’98 to ’09