Eli Kaniel was born in Cairo, Egypt from Lithuanian parents. He became known at the age of 9 as a soloist in the choir of the Cairo Great Synagogue.

The next step for this boy prodigy were recitals, shows, radio appearances. Proud of the boy’s achievements, the Jewish Community of Cairo granted him a piano scholarship; at the age of 18 Eli graduated with honors.

Eli made a living as pianist, simultaneously developing his voice with a famous Italian Maestro. In time his soprano voice changed into lyrical tenor. Even as a pianist he reaps tremendous success and is offered remunerative jobs in first class Egyptian hotels and night clubs.

Eli and his family settled in Israel. But Eli needed more : he yearned to compose and do creative work and soon became a famous composer. Having temporarily given up singing, he felt that his success was incomplete. He, therefore returns to his first love, singing, and in no time earned a good fame as a singer too.