Palikerav Mamo (“Thank you, Mother”)

Palikerav Mamo (“Thank you, Mother”)

“Thank You Mother” is a popular Roma song that’s been recorded countless times. The original author is unknown, but this is not unusual for these types of songs: Someone writes a song, someone else hears it and repeats it, someone else modifies it and adds to it… then...

Devla Tu (“I Truly Love You”)

Devla Tu (“I Truly Love You”)

“I Truly Love You” is worship song well-known among Roma in Kosice and the surrounding region, and can be found in various versions on Youtube and other social sharing sites. Its original author is unknown, but its simple melody and message speaks of the Roma...

Romanca

Romanca

“Romanca” is an instrumental song written by the students and director of the Galakticka School Band. It is a technical piece, meant to give the lead guitarist a chance to improvise on a simple melody. But though it’s a practice piece and not similar to traditional...

Šukar Jakha (Beautiful Eyes)

Šukar Jakha (Beautiful Eyes)

The song Šukar Jakha (Beautiful Eyes) is one of countless Roma folk songs whose author and origin is unknown. It’s a simple song with themes that abound in Roma folk music – love and dancing. Recorded here by the Galakticka Children’s Choir, it follows a typical Roma...

Amen sam spasimen (We Are Saved)

Amen sam spasimen (We Are Saved)

“We Are Saved” is a praise song popular in both Slovak and Roma translations. It’s a simple expression of thanks and praise for God’s work in the life of the believer – something we can identify with no matter what language we speak. The band M2 Rankovce is a mixed...

Out & About

Out & About

“Out & About” is an instrumental song written by the students and director of the Galakticka School Band.  This is not the kind of music these students would typically play.  Rather than emulating their popular Roma musical icons of today, this song...

Nane Cocha (I Have Nothing)

Nane Cocha (I Have Nothing)

Nane Cocha is an old Roma folk song that’s taken on new life in recent years.  It’s a simple ballad about a young girl who’s getting married, leaving everything behind for her new life.   No one is sure where the song originally came from or how old it is....