Musician Yishai Levi has died aged 68. The singer, who enjoyed roaring success during the 1980s, was praised as one of the greatest voices of Israeli Mizrahi music, and is confirmed to have died overnight on Saturday (June 6). While his cause of death has not yet been confirmed, the star was hospitalised for a serious condition over the weekend after cancelling a number of shows due to ongoing health issues. In a moving statement, Yishai's family shared: "With unimaginable pain, we announce the passing of Yishai Levi tonight. There are no words right now".

The star rose to fame in the 1980s with some of his most well-known songs, including Dance, Romantic Dance, and My One. Throughout his career, Yishai released over 20 albums and was widely recognised as a pioneer within Mizrahi music, a highly popular Israeli genre that blends Middle Eastern, North African, and European musical traditions.

Israel's Prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, led tributes as he took to X/Twitter and wrote: "My wife Sara and I express our sorrow over the passing of the beloved artist Yishai Levi, may his memory be a blessing. Yishai was a unique voice in Israeli music, one of soul, joy, pain, and love for humanity."

"Yishai touched the hearts of millions of Israelis with his songs. He crossed generations, communities, and sectors, becoming an inseparable part of the soundtrack of our lives," the politician added.

The nation's President, Isaac Herzog, added that Levi was "among the most loved and significant voices of Israeli music.

"His unique voice and beloved songs accompanied Israeli society for decades and became an inseparable part of the soundtrack of our lives. In his unique way, Yishai managed to touch many hearts, connect audiences and generations, and provide moments of emotion, comfort, and joy to millions of Israelis."

This was followed by heartfelt posts from devastated fans, as one penned: "My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Yishai Levi for his passing! May his memory be a blessing."

"The King of Mizrahi has left us. Yishai Levi, thank you for the music that made us dance, cry and feel alive. May your soul rest in peace," another shared.

At the beginning of his career, he performed at clubs or Eastern music parties, but after serving in the army, he released his first album in 1984. His big break came with the 1986 album Behold, Days Are Coming.

In addition to struggling with past addiction, Yishai had a history of health complications, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which he had lived with since 2005.

Yishai is survived by his wife, four children, and his grandchildren.