Israeli producer, DJ, and entrepreneur Eliad Cohen has announced that he is entering a new phase of his life—the so-called “daddy era.” This transition is marked by the release of a full-length album, collaborations with global stars, and a reevaluation of his role in show business. Here’s how a former Israeli soldier became a global brand—and why his music is now more important than his looks.
From the Israeli Periphery to International Magazine Covers
Eliad Cohen was born on May 11, 1988, in a small town in Israel. His path to fame did not begin in the capital or in a wealthy family—but on the Israeli periphery, far from the glitz of international runways. After completing his mandatory military service, he made a decision that changed everything: he moved to Tel Aviv and publicly came out for the first time.
“I grew up in a very small town in Israel. After serving in the army, I moved to Tel Aviv, where I decided to come out and accept myself for who I am. It was the best decision of my life,” Cohen told Pride.com.
Cohen gained worldwide fame in 2011 when he was chosen as the cover model for the Spartacus International Gay Guide. This opened the doors to the worlds of fashion and show business for him, making him one of the most recognizable faces of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.
The PAPA PARTY Empire
However, Cohen didn’t limit himself to a career as a model. He founded the PAPA PARTY brand, which was first launched in Tel Aviv during Pride. Today, it is an international party network with a presence in more than 30 countries—in Europe, North and South America, and Australia.
The core philosophy behind these events is “energy and zero attitude.” According to Cohen, he strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone can “celebrate life” and forget about the problems of the outside world, if only for a few hours. It is precisely this idea that has become the foundation upon which his entire business is built: parties, clothing, music—everything conveys the same message.
"The Era of Daddy": Wisdom Instead of Youth
Between 2024 and 2026, Eliad Cohen began actively shifting his focus from modeling to music production. At age 37, he announced the start of his “dad phase”—and for him, this isn’t just a catchy slogan.
"Next month is my birthday. I will be 37. I will become a real dad! My party is called "Daddy's Party" and now I'm a real dad. When I was 20, I had so much energy, but I made so many mistakes. Now I know how to use my energy at the right time and in the right place. I live my best life," the artist admitted.
"Middle age" is a time of gaining the wisdom and confidence that were lacking in one’s youth. It is not retirement, but rather a conscious maturity: the ability to choose where to focus one’s energy and what truly matters.
A Musical Transformation: From Parties to the Studio
Music has always been a part of Cohen’s life—he DJed at his own parties, read the crowd, and understood what gets people moving. But now he’s aiming for something more than just being a DJ. He’s a producer, songwriter, and performer with his own unique sound.
"In recent years, I've decided to focus more on music, which is my true passion," he says.
Cohen’s style blends house, tribal, and melodic techno. His tracks are designed not only for the dance floor but also to evoke an emotional response. By early 2026, Cohen’s music had amassed millions of streams on Spotify in more than 160 countries—an impressive achievement for an artist whom many still view primarily as a model.
Key Music Projects
Among Cohen's most recent works, several truly significant collaborations and solo tracks stand out.
A collaboration with Luke Evans. In early 2026, the track “One Time Lover” was released. Eliad served as producer, creating his signature beat, while Hollywood actor Luke Evans provided the vocals. The combination of an international star and Cohen’s signature production style attracted widespread attention.
"Hide U" is a personal story. One of his most personal works is the track “Hide U,” which Cohen describes as a love song inspired by his relationship with his mother. It’s not a dance banger—it’s a confession.
“The music I’m working on is about having a good time. Forget about your problems. What makes this song special is that it’s a love song,” the artist explains.
My first personal project. The song “Ain’t Your Geisha” was his first entirely independent project—as both a songwriter and producer. It was this song that marked his transition from performer to full-fledged artist.
Collaborations with Israeli celebrities. Cohen recorded a cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" with Michael Ben-David and also collaborated with Valerie Hamati on the song "YA MAMA HAYATI," highlighting his connection to his Israeli roots.
A new album this summer
Eliad Cohen has announced the release of a full-length album in the summer of 2026. This will be the culmination of several years of studio work and a major milestone in his musical career. The DJ hopes that fans from all over the world will be impressed by his work.
Cohen also has a busy schedule of performances at Pride events around the world—from Dallas to Ibiza—and the release of new remixes planned for 2026. He continues to develop his clothing line, proving that sex symbol status can be successfully transformed into long-term entrepreneurial and creative success.
Activism and Social Impact
Despite his image as a “party animal,” Cohen is actively involved in community service. He is an ambassador for the VOTE PROUD movement, which encourages the LGBTQ+ community to participate in elections. In this movement, he stands alongside figures such as Elton John, Sharon Stone, and Dua Lipa.
In addition, Cohen actively promotes Israel as a gay-friendly tourist destination and supports projects aimed at combating voter apathy among marginalized groups.
“Life is too short. We have to be who we are and celebrate it,” Eliad Cohen sums up. And, by all accounts, his “dad era” is just beginning.
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