Singer, model, actor and fashion designer On Mekahel on receiving death threats, his inspiration to pursue a singing career and how his online persona differs from his true self
BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN
On Mekahel, an Israeli-American artist, is a multi-faceted talent. He seamlessly transitions between singing, modeling, acting, and entrepreneurship.
His career highlights include starring in various commercials, movies, and TV shows, most notably as the central character in the Revry-produced reality series “Putting On.”
Beyond the screen, Mekahel is the founder of MOUNDERWEAR, his own successful underwear line.
Following his completion of military service in Israel, he pursued his passion for acting at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York in 2014.
In 2019, prior to their move to Los Angeles, Mekahel and his husband, David Cederberg, exchanged wedding vows in a beautiful Parisian ceremony.
In an interview with THE FIGHT Mekahel spoke openly about receiving death threats, what initially inspired him to pursue a singing career, and how his online persona differs from his true self.
“I was nervous for a while to start music again because people primarily knew me from being this shirtless sexy boy on Instagram. So I was afraid of how people would react to me trying to show that aspect of my artistry.”
How has the horrific Nova music festival massacre and its devastating aftermath affected your career as an Israeli artist?
I think every Israeli would tell you that there is life before Oct 7th and there is life after. We are not the same. The pain we have inside is indescribable. We are still living it, we are still waiting for our hostages to come home.
Regarding my reception as an Israeli artist, I try to avoid reading many comments or DMs. However, I did receive death threats and hateful comments, including those stating that I am something the world needs to get rid of. After October 7th, I lost approximately 200,000 followers on Instagram after expressing support for my people. But that never bothered me. If you don’t like me or who I am you don’t need to follow me. Quality over quantity always…
To be honest, I sometimes felt more scared in real life. I would go to places where, once people heard I was from Israel, they would give me a look or simply turn their back and ignore me. That’s where I felt a little scared to be an Israeli and Jewish in the world.
I am forever thankful to my husband, who has been my rock since October 7th. He made me feel safe. He always hugged me strongly and tightly when I needed it most, and he was simply amazing with his support for me, my family, and my Israeli people.
You’re a singer, model, actor and fashion designer. If you had to choose just one of those professions—which one would you choose?
I am also a husband which is my first and most important and favorite profession [laughs]!
It’s really hard to pick one cause I love everything that I do so much. Everything that I do, is with my heart. But overall I’d say singer, because I can incorporate a lot of my other professions into it at the same time – like fashion and acting. I like to have my cake and eat it too when I can.
What motivated you to embark on a singing career? What challenges have you encountered in that endeavor?
Since I can remember myself as a kid I always loved to sing, dance. I preformed in any school event any event we had at our town. Singing was always a huge part of me.
But ultimately life took me to a different direction with modeling and social media and I just went with the ride which I am still on and so thankful for.
I was nervous for a while to start music again because people primarily knew me from being this shirtless sexy boy on Instagram. So I was afraid of how people would react to me trying to show that aspect of my artistry…
So far the journey feels pretty amazing. I am growing with each song I am working on and have so much more in the making! I am finally finding my voice and my style which you will hopefully see in the next few songs that I put out!
What is the most common misconception people have about you?
I recently learned that people are afraid to talk to me because they think I am mean or unapproachable. Even in social settings like the party scene, someone will express surprise that I am talking to them. In reality, I am actually quite shy and was hoping they would initiate conversation.
I believe people see this persona I’ve created online and don’t understand that I am also human. I love people and am generally a kind and nice person. Sure, I enjoy posting nice pictures, but I am much more than just my outward appearance.
Is there anything we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with our readers?
I just wanted to share that the next songs that I am working on these days are going to be probably the best work Ive done. I am so excited to share it with everyone and show more about who I am as an artist.
Follow On Mekahel @iamonmekahel on all platforms.
