Esma Redžepova is a Macedonian Singer, songwriter, and humanitarian. During her life she has performed in more than 9000 concerts in 30 countries. By her own account she has created more than 500 works of art, which include 108 singles, 20 albums, and 6 movies.
Esma Redžepova was born on August 8, 1943, in Skopje, Yugoslavia (today the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia). She is the second youngest of six children in a Roma family. Her father worked variously as a porter, singer, drummer, circus strongman and shoeshiner. Her parents stressed that all six children finish primary school. At age nine Esma was introduced by one of her brothers to a local Romani music organisation, where she was able to quickly learn complicated rhythms. Her mother encouraged her musical gifts and Esma and her brother soon joined their school's folklore group.
In 1957, age 14, she was personally invited to sing at a school talent contest for Radio Skopje, placing first (beating 57 other schools). This would lead to her touring with national band leader (and future husband) Stevo Teodosievski. Her career has spanned decades and has not abated. She is still very popular in the Balkans and is and is considered an international icon for her humanitarian work as well as promoting Romani culture. Any discussion of music of the Roma (and the Balkans) would be incomplete without Esma Redžepova.
With her husband, Stevo Teodosievski (April 16, 1924 - April 9, 1997), she has fostered forty-seven children, and she has received numerous accolades for her humanitarian work.
The fourth track from the "Abre Babi Sokerdžan" EP released in 1961 on Jugoton label, in what was Yugoslavia. One of Redžepova's most well known songs, this one is from back in the day. Definitely an oldie but goodie!
A newer version of this song was used in the 2006 film "Borat," which helped to garner more interest in the artist and this type of music in general. Both versions are equally good, but I like the EP cover for this version . . . I was drawn to this particular song because of the accordion, percussion and vocals. It's upbeat, and kinda funky.
*** Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. ***