OFFER NISSIM

If you took a walk in Manhattan's streets during the past two years, you most likely passed by some signs inviting you to one of Offer Nissim's parties in New York City. But although Nissim is a well-known DJ in the U.S. nowadays, his heart and home are still placed 5,683 miles from the Big Apple, in Tel Aviv, Israel - his home city where he's played for more than 20 years.

Nissim could be considered the first-ever Israeli gay icon. From a conservative '80s society grew some first signs of the Tel Aviv gay scene, led by the Theatre Club and conducted by young Nissim. Fifteen years later, in 1998, he produced the winning song for the famous Eurovision Song Contest, "Diva" (sang by Israeli transsexual star Dana International). Later that same year, Nissim made his worldwide break with a historic performance at the Gay Games in Amsterdam.

Nissim's international vibe influenced the Israeli clubbing scene and - due in part to his frequent tour stops abroad - opened the door for other Israeli DJs in Europe, the U.S. and the rest of the world.

A longtime veteran on the scene yet seemingly ageless, Nissim still works nonstop. While visiting his home playing field and audience, which he does consistently, Nissim continues to DJ, refill his DJ bag with new tracks and work on his personal productions in his home studio.

Among his latest works are the singles "Perfect Love" and "Second Time," both featuring the soulful vocalist Maya. Then there is his double CD, Forever Tel Aviv (Star 69, 2007), which includes his remixes of Beyonce, Donna Summer, Christina Aguilera and Kristine W, as well as original productions such as "Boyfriend" and "For Your Love" (which...