By: Jake Smiths
PLVNK Reimagines Israeli Hit “Sahara” with a Global Spin, Blending Voices from Compton, London, and Jerusalem
Los Angeles, CA — PLVNK (pronounced Plank), the electrifying LA-based trio, has released their newest music video: a bold reimagining of Israeli artist Tuna’s hit song “Sahara.” With this release, PLVNK reaffirms its global mission of blending cultures, uniting voices, and amplifying the call for peace, love, and unity.
More than just a cover, Sahara is a cultural remix—infusing the trio’s unique perspectives from three corners of the world while paying homage to the beloved original. The track features new verses written by the band, transforming the hit into a deeply personal yet universally resonant anthem.
A Trio from Three Continents
PLVNK is a meeting point of worlds: Compton rapper JohnBoyCOOL, Israeli vocalist Nachum “Knock”, and British instrumentalist Sir Mal. Together, they’ve created a sound that defies borders, fusing hip hop, alternative rock, funk, and soul into a single heartbeat.
JohnBoyCOOL, raised in Compton, began making music as a teenager and quickly became a local icon, throwing legendary parties and carving a name for himself in the LA music scene. His résumé spans performing at LA’s prominent venues, opening for 2 Chainz, and appearing in TV shows from Vice to Netflix. He’s featured in Kendrick Lamar’s videos and even on the album cover of To Pimp a Butterfly. With his crew, PirateGVNG, JohnBoy is constantly in the studio, preparing to release new music while building PLVNK’s reputation as one of LA’s innovative acts.
Nachum, known as “Knock,” brings the depth of Jerusalem to PLVNK’s sound. Growing up as one of nine kids in a musical family, he turned to music after serving in an anti-terror unit, studying at Israel’s renowned Rimon School of Music. His first band, Automatic Toys, won “Best New Indie Band” on Canadian radio and toured across North America. Since then, Nachum has toured the globe—from Africa to Greece, the Middle East to the U.S.—using music as a tool to build bridges and spread spirit, joy, and unity.
London-born Sir Mal rounds out the trio. A multi-instrumentalist and producer, he first came to California while touring with Radiohead and has since established himself as a creative force in LA. With his refined production chops, profound musicianship, and unmistakable British charm, Mal adds a distinctive flavor to PLVNK’s transcontinental recipe.
Why Sahara
PLVNK’s audience directly informed the decision to reimagine Sahara. Israeli fans had been urging the band to revisit the song, and Nachum brought the idea to the group. What emerged was more than a cover—it became a statement.
“The concept of stopping the violence, returning the hostages, and redirecting our intentions toward peace and love became very lucid for all of us through this track,” the band shared.
PLVNK’s Sahara intertwines nostalgia with urgency, blending the emotional weight of the original with fresh verses and a new sonic identity. It’s a track that speaks to grief and hope, pain and healing, and the urgent need for connection across borders.
What’s Next for PLVNK
Beyond Sahara, PLVNK is preparing for their most ambitious project yet: a docuseries that retraces their roots. The trio will journey back to their hometowns—Jerusalem, London, and Compton—where they’ll collaborate with local artists, immerse themselves in food and culture, and create new original songs. Each city will culminate in a live performance, offering audiences a rare chance to witness the full scope of PLVNK’s cross-continental energy.
A Soundtrack for Our Times
With Sahara, PLVNK continues to prove that music is more than entertainment—it’s a unifying force. Their work embodies the idea that even in an era of division, sound can be a sanctuary where people come together.
By fusing their diverse origins into one powerful sound, PLVNK reminds us that while we may come from different worlds, we share the same heartbeat.
