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Interview with Robi Botos

by Siv B. Lie

I think people love Romani music – the problem is they don’t necessarily like us. Hopefully that will change globally for the better.

SL: In addition to your own ear, what kind of musical education did you have growing up, and who taught you?

RB: I had very basic classical training in Hungary – in Budapest. I never had jazz lessons other than hanging out and playing with master musicians, which in my opinion is the best way to learn this music.

SL: Is there a method or process of training that Romani jazz musicians in Hungary typically receive, or is it completely different for everyone?

RB: It’s different for everyone, but Hungarian musical styles are so accessible...it’s all around you. Lots of music history.

SL: How would you describe your current compositional style?

RB: I try to be faithful and honest about where I come from and who I am, and I am hoping to channel that in my writing and performance.

SL: In addition to your own ear, what kind of musical education did you have growing up, and who taught you?

RB: I had very basic classical training in Hungary – in Budapest. I never had jazz lessons other than hanging out and playing with master musicians, which in my opinion is the best way to learn this music.

SL: Is there a method or process of training that Romani jazz musicians in Hungary typically receive, or is it completely different for everyone?

RB: It’s different for everyone, but Hungarian musical styles are so accessible...it’s all around you. Lots of music history.

SL: How would you describe your current compositional style?

RB: I try to be faithful and honest about where I come from and who I am, and I am hoping to channel that in my writing and performance.

SL: How did you learn about A People Uncounted by Aaron Yeger? What was the compositional process for the film like?

A People Uncounted | directed by Yeger, Aaron | A People Uncounted is a documentary in multiple languages about the Pharrajimos – Romani sufferings during the WWII – and beyond.

Rights held by: Aaron Yeger | Licensed by: Urbinder Documenatries Inc. | Licensed under: Rights of Use | Provided by: Urbinder Documenatries Inc. (Toronto/Canada)

RB: It all started by sharing my thoughts and ideas about these issues – and my experiences – with a dear friend of mine, who decided to go ahead and produce this film.

SL: Is there a sense of community between Romani musicians in Canada? What kinds of music do they play, and how are they received?

RB: Canada is very open to all kinds of musical styles, I think. We can be who we are here, both ethnically and musically. There are many talented Romani musicians in Canada.

SL: How do you think Romani musicians should represent themselves and their cultures in a public online project such as RomArchive?

RB: I think it’s important to share music in all the different platforms. People need music now more than ever. I think people love Romani music – the problem is they don’t necessarily like us. Hopefully that will change globally for the better. (Hier Hervorhebung noch nicht möglich, da im Textfeld eine Quote Auszeichnung noch nicht geht.)

Robi Botos is a Hungarian-Canadian composer and pianist. He was born in Nyiregyhaza (Hungary) in 1978 to a musical Romani family. He began his …

audio

“Romungro,” composed by Robi Botos. Available on Botos’ album Movin’ Forward (A440 Records). Featuring Robi Botos (piano), Seamus Blake (saxophone), Robert Leslie Hurst (bass), and Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums).