Black Sea Disco Music

Its August and all Bulgarians are feeling a primal urge to take their yearly trek to the Black Sea for a tan, drinking, dancing and--with luck-- love (or something equivalent). For most Americans, it could be explained as a cross between spring break and the family vacation to the beach. Partially stemming from the communist times of when each family was entitled two weeks at the Black Sea at the communist hotels, this tradition has carried on as a national pilgrimage. The train seats are oversold and people sleep in the corridors, special bus routes specifically for the Black Sea tourist beaches, and everything is more expensive (but still insanely cheap for Americans and Europeans).

So, without further ado, here is the Black Sea Club Mix. Most of this music would be considered "Chalga" in Bulgaria which is comparable to American pop through its mixture of many different styles and genres to create Balkan pop music. This is the music that a majority of Bulgarian youth listen to and is standard at most clubs at the Black Sea.

Muxtape is currently being harrassed by the RIAA so I won't be able to put the music in Muxtape form. I'm going to just post them as YouTube clips.

Ustata - Male Male



Galena feat. Expose - Nishto Obshto

(Nothing in Common)



Preslava - Novata Ti (Video Mix)

(Your New Girlfriend)



Boris Dali- Centar na kupona

(Center of the Party)



Azis - Dai mi led (Give me ice)

Exploitation | Reaping the Romani Crop | How to Give Back

I'm all about crazy album art, but can we stop exploiting the Romani cultural image? Here are some examples that just drive me crazy. These musicians are using the perceived Romani image as a "stamp" of authenticity. And like it or not, the media and western culture has accepted these artists as the representations of Romani and Balkan Music. Just read the NY Times or any of the hip blogs.

The Stereotypical Problem:

When you talk to Europeans about Romani people, usually two things pop into their minds: 1) nomadic musicians that live a bohemic and romantic lifestyle playing where ever the wind takes them 2) Street thieves and beggars. And then, after some thought or if someone that has done a little research about Roma he or she will think: 3) Abject poverty cause by lack of education and culture.

Is this really the whole cultural spectrum of the Romani Culture?

The answer is obviously no. Anyone who is interested in Romani or Balkan culture will discover this as they research the region and discover more of its beauty. But, this is something that most people don't have time for and don't want to commit to time to. And that's okay, but I think we need to be aware of these shortfalls and recognize them for what they are. In a perfect world, bands wouldn't feel the need to put stereotypical images of Roma on their covers (Because their music isn't Balkan nor is it Roma, more like DJ mixed music with Balkan and Roma samples). But I realize these bands want an image that the will instantly associate them with a certain image (Roma and Balkans). And for them, these images are the easiest way get their message across.

Cashing In

Balkan music has become somewhat "cool" in the past couple of years and a lot Americans and Europeans are cashing in with record deals and concerts (Balkan Beat Box, Shantel, Balkan Beats). Now, granted, they aren't exactly Madonna or 50 cent, but they aren't living in abject poverty either. They are acting as the cultural ambassadors to the west; interpreting these Balkan sounds into something that western audiences can understand . . . and charging cover at the door for the translation.

Giving Back

Look. If you are going to sample heavily from Balkan and Romani Musicans and then repeatedly stereotype Romani and their culture for you own personal gains (be money, popularity, hipsterism), then I say you've got to give back. So, maybe you'll keep exploiting the images and sounds of Romani culture for night clubs in Berlin and Paris--and like I said before, that's okay. But give something back. Perhaps a program similar to Patagonia where 1% of revenue goes to charity, every year--regardless of whether they were profitable. This concept has gained momentum and now its got over 700 business involved with the 1% for the Planet environmentalism campaign. I know its hard to be a musician and also champion causes but that's just part of deal. When you take something, you need to give back. Start by forming Romani scholarships or by contributing to already existing ones, like George Soros's Roma Education Fund.

Oh, did I mention that giving back to the community gives you free marketing and also makes you more appealable to a greater market? Think about it. Either stop the blatant I'm-with-the-Romani associations or give some money back to where you are getting your marketing strategies. Its worth it.

Gypsy Caravan: When the Road Bends

For anyone wanting to learn more about Roma music, this is must see film. The premise is simple: lets put some of the most famous Roma musicians from different countries and have them tour together in America. This film documents that journey and although I haven't seen it(its impossible to find in a downloadable form and it sure didn't show in Bulgaria), I would expect that it is definitely worth the $20. If anything, its a great music documentary that allows you to see these famous musicians up close and also give better understanding of the Romani fusion throughout Euroasia.

The DVD comes out in August, be sure to order a copy or go ahead and order it on Netflix.

The Gypsy Caravan includes:

• ESMA REDZEPOVA - the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Gypsies"
• MAHARAJA - Roma / Indian folk musicians from India
• FANFARE CIOCARLIA - Romanian Roma Group
• TARAF DE HAIDOUKS - Romanian Roma ensemble reknowned for its violin playing
  
• ANTONIO EL PIPA FLAMENCO ENSEMBLE - Spanish Flamenco Style

Here's a sample of the music that can be downloaded from the Gypsy Caravan website:

Esma Redžepova | Makedonia's Gypsy / Roma Queen

One of the most well known Balkan Romani singers is Esma Redžepova. She started her career at age fourteen when she competed and won a Macedonian singing contest in Skopje. She then joined the Stevo Teodosievski Ensemble where the Ensemble leader later became her husband. After much success in the Balkans, she now tours internationally. She also, similar to Oprah in some ways, started her own music school for unfortunate Romani children. Esma Redžepova has also adopted over 50 children from Macedonia and has her own foundation to help her fellow Roma who are less fortunate

Please read more about her at her official website or the wikipedia page (it isn't the best, but its great for quick info)


So, basically, Esma Redžepova something similar to Aretha Franklin, Madonna and Judy Garland. She started her singing career early (professionally on the road at age 14), became a symbol of Romani everywhere by raising awareness and simultaneously being a pop star.

Basically, when discussing Roma music and Balkan music a presence that needs to be mentioned, admired and acknowledged. I've assembled a playlist of some of Esma Redžepova's work over the years, starting from when she was young to her 4:oo Minutes to Save the World song to prove she's still got it.

Some of you might find it easier to navigate through the playlist from YouTube page. I'm not having much luck embedding the playlists, so I've embeded all of the videos on this page.

Esma Redzepova - Caje Sukarije
By far, this is her most famous song. There are newer versions but I think this archive footage captures the era and her form as when she was younger; definitely a Diva.



Esma Redžepova "Romano horo", gypsy song
One of her better known songs, "Romano horo" means "Old Roma" and she's sing about being merry and celebrating. Sung in Romani with a spattering of Macedonian such as "I-de" which means "let's go".



Esma Redžepova i Enver Rasimov- Site devojčinja
This is good example of her ability to sing Macedonian Folk Music as well as Roma music.




Esma Redzepova I Gogo Zafirovski-Biljana Platno Belese
Another example of her Folk music singing talents. This is Macedonian folk song.




Esma Redzepova- Moj Ocka Ima Konjicka Dva
This is a lovely historical artifact from the Yugoslavian Era. Esma Redzepova is singing a Slovenian folk song from when they where unified republics.




Esma Redzepova- Makedonijo, Rosno Cveke
Another famous Macedonian Folk song which is also sung in Bulgaria (from personal experience)



Tose Proeski & Esma Redzepova - Magija
This Esma's "4 Minutes" song. She's partnered with one of the hippest Macedonian pop singers.