Chocolate, Menta, Mastik: The Israeli Trio That Charmed Eurovision and the World
In the vibrant musical landscape of early 1970s Israel, few acts captured the public imagination quite like Chocolate, Menta, Mastik — known in Hebrew as Shokolad, Menta, Mastik, a name that playfully translates to "chocolate, mint, gum." Founded in 1972, the trio emerged as a fresh and spirited voice in Israeli popular music, blending infectious melodies with warm, layered harmonies that resonated deeply with audiences across the country.
The group originally formed with three talented young performers: Yardena Arazi, Ruthie Holzman, and Tami Azaria. A significant early chapter in the trio's story was their shared service in the Israel Defense Forces, where all members performed as part of the celebrated Lehakat HaNahal — a renowned military entertainment ensemble that has historically served as a launching pad for some of Israel's greatest musical talents. This experience honed their stage presence and deepened their artistic chemistry in ways that would prove invaluable throughout their career.
The group's lineup evolved in 1973 when Tami Azaria was replaced by Leah Lupatin, a change that ultimately solidified the trio's most iconic and enduring formation. Released on the Hed Arzi Music label, their recordings reflected the warm, melodic sensibility of Israeli popular music of the era, earning them a loyal following and significant airplay throughout the decade.
The defining moment of Chocolate, Menta, Mastik's career came in 1976, when they were selected as Israel's entry for the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, held that year in The Hague, Netherlands. Performing the song Emor Shalom — meaning "Say Peace" — the trio brought a message of hope and warmth to a pan-European audience, representing their nation on one of the world's most-watched music stages. Their participation followed Israel's earlier Eurovision entries and helped cement the country's growing presence in the international contest.
The legacy of Chocolate, Menta, Mastik extended well beyond their own performances. After the group disbanded in 1978, Leah Lupatin continued making her mark on Eurovision history by joining Milk and Honey — the group that won the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest with the iconic Hallelujah. Lupatin stepped in to replace Gali Atari for live concert performances of the winning song, including an appearance on the celebrated Songs of Europe programme in 1981, keeping her connection to the Eurovision world very much alive.
Though active for just six years, Chocolate, Menta, Mastik left an indelible mark on Israeli pop culture. Their journey from military stages to the Eurovision spotlight embodies a spirit of artistic ambition and national pride that continues to resonate. As pioneers of the Israeli female group sound, they paved the way for generations of performers and remain a cherished chapter in the story of Israel's rich musical heritage.
