Magic Forums

Typically nomadic, the Roma people have long acted as wandering entertainers and tradesmen. In all the places Roma live?in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and northwest India? they have become known as musicians. The wide distances travelled have introduced a multitude of influences, starting with Indian roots and adding Greek, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Slavic, Romanian, German, French, Spanish and Celtic touches.

Roma music characteristically has vocals that tend to be soulful and declamatory, and the music often incorporates prominent glissandi (slides) between notes. Instrumentation varies widely according to the region the music comes from.