Gypsy Music

Gypsy music is one genre that has only recently begun to reach mainstream ears. The music comes from the tradition of the Romani people, who traveled west from India and settled in various Eastern European countries, such as Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria. In other places where the Romani people have settled, there has been a combination of gypsy and local music that has created some very popular hybrids. Of these, the Spanish flamenco music is the most notable and has garnered an international following around the world.

Because the Romani people have migrated so far from their original home in India, many of the original songs have been lost. However, there are still some traditional tunes that are sung in the original Romani language. These are quite different from the more party oriented songs that are heard in Balkan beat bars and other festive occasions. Rather than being up tempo with a cheerful tone, these original songs are often laments that build to a crescendo with rising and twisting vocal lines.

The modern gypsy music incorporates many different influences based on the location of the Romani settlements. In Bulgaria, this gypsy music is called chalga and is commonly heard at weddings, dances, and other types of celebrations. In Turkey, the modern styles have retained more of the tradition, with heavy syncopation of the rhythm and a large amount of vocal improvisation. However, the most popular modern form of gypsy music is found in Romania, where the form is called manele. Largely criticized for the simplicity of the lyrics, the music has found a home all over the Balkan countries. The music is mainly made with electronic instruments and the singers are mostly male, adding credence to the idea that the music has a misogynistic tone. This is further evidenced by the lyrics which are similar to many rap songs that serve primarily as an anthem for the singer’s ego.