The Roma (the preferred name rather than Gypsies) are an ethnic group that dates back over a thousand years, originally from India. Historically the Romani people were nomads who, over a period of centuries, migrated to the middle east, Eastern Europe, Great Britain among others.

The Romani people have suffered slavery, discrimination and marginalization for centuries. During the Nazi Holocaust between 1933 and 1945, close to a million Romani and Sinti (Eastern European Roma) were killed along with the 6 million Jews.

This month, FolkWorks is celebrating the Roma people through their musical traditions that have influenced music worldwide. So many musical genres have been influenced and infused “and borrowed” by this incredible music.

Just a few examples are the classical compositions of Brahms, Haydn, Liszt and Bartok; French Jazz, Flamenco, Cajun folk music, American folk music and hip-hop to name a few. The list goes on and on. See videos below.

Romani bands entertain at weddings throughout Europe and even the United States.  They also play at baptisms, funerals and celebrations .  Their music is lively, raucous and up-lifting. (See YouTube examples!)

Latcho Drom (“safe journey”) is a 1993 French film directed and written by Tony Gatlif. The movie is about the Romani people‘s journey from north-west India to Spain, consisting primarily of music. There are various options here to view the film Latcho Drom.
(Wikipedia)

Gypsy Caravan is another film documenting a series of concerts featuring a number of performers from many different countries.

Examples of genres influenced by Romani music:

Cajun “Gypsy”
Go almost halfway when Michael Doucet plays in a Roma style. Throughout this recording he alternates through various musical styles.

“Gypsy” punk
Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike

Flamenco Romani 

“Gypsy” Hip-hop