Gypsy Mambo

Macedonian gypsy brass band Gypsy Mambo will be performing at the Orpheum Theatre in Gżira for a carnival dance party.

The event, organiesd by Fringe Productions in association with the Malta Tourism Authority, will be the gypsy band’s second time in Malta.

Formed over a decade ago in the town of Kocani, this exotic band boasts a traditional set-up of nine members.

All hailing from well-known gypsy musical families with a long-standing tradition in Roma and Balkan music, they collectively create the unmistakeable sound of Balkan brass bands typical of the area.

This is a sound first brought to western audiences through the films and music of Emir Kusturica and Goran Bregovic.

The popularity and infectious music played by these brass bands has become a global trend due to their crowd appeal and high-energy music.

Called Roma Oriental, the style is a fierce mix of powerful brass bands, Balkan rhythms and oriental solos, where raw virtuosity and boundless energy provide the fuel that keep the crowds off their seats and on their feet.

Balkan brass bands have a significant gypsy character, and from western Serbia to Macedonia they are amazingly creative in bending the original rigid style of traditional brass bands.

The Gypsy Mambo orchestra has participated in prominent European festivals and performs regularly in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Serbia and Montenegro, and of course, their native Macedonia.

The band has to date released two albums; a repertoire brimming with traditional songs, as well as Bregovic classics and original tunes.

Their local appearance will be a fancy-dress, theme dance-party based on Kusturica’s movie Underground, which should sit well within the stunning deco walls of the Orpheum Theatre.

The Gypsy Mambo orchestra will be performing at the Orpheum Theatre, Gżira, on Friday. Tickets for the event cost €15. For more information, look up the Gypsy Mambo event page on Facebook or call on 9916 1453 or 9982 9322.