Learn about Esma Redžepova!

Esma Redžepova-Teodosievska from Skopje Macedonia, also nicknamed as “Queen of the gypsies” was one of the first vocalists who sang in the Romani language. Apart from being a legend in the Macedonian music scene, Redžepova was also involved in a lot of humanitarian work. Redžepova fostered a total of forty-seven children and also sponsored plenty of benefit concerts for various causes, isn’t that amazing?

Esma Redžepova performed mostly with Ansambl Teodosievski,Esma’s life companion, at the time. The music consisted of traditional instruments, used both by Roma and Macedonians, such as the oboe, accordion, zurna and the davul.

Most of Esma's songs portrayed Roma or Macedonian folk tradition, with influences from the Turkish, Middle Eastern and Central European people.

Check out this spine chilling performance! 👆

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Contemporary influences are also visible on her later work, identified under the ‘worldbeat’ music genre.

In the 2000s, she recorded duets with younger artists as well as contributed to pop, ethno-pop and RnB songs. Furthermore, some of her earlier songs also showed strong Western influences. Here are some examples:

 "Devojka i pesna" (1966)

"Pjesma Šeher Sarajevu" (1970)

 "Đurđevdan, Đurđevdan" (1972)

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Redžepova's voice evolved over the years. When she started singing, her voice was bright and almost childlike, Stevo Teodosievski compared it to the sound of a silver bell. Take a listen:

Esma Redžepova was known for defending Romani music. She considered the singing style very ancient and traditional. She did not particularly cite any inspirational artists behind her success and stated that she owed everything to her husband.

She also enjoyed classical music and cited Luciano Pavarotti, who we are familiar with, as one of her favourite classical artists!

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