Sun

24.05. 19:30

Khamoro party

Střelecký ostrov

The beginning of Khamora the way you like it! He will start with us on 28. the biggest Romani festival of the year with a big party under the open sky. On Střelecký ostrov you can look forward to a concert full of contemporary Romani music. And to the hits you know all too well. Kaminiko, Ladix B, 4Gipsy Soul and Natálie Kuchárová – you just can’t miss it!

KAMINIKO (CZE)

Their hits must not be missed at any Romani celebration. And so we can’t miss them at the Khamoro party! Kaminiko is one of the most popular Romani bands in the Czech Republic today. These likeable musicians know exactly how to keep the dance floor full from the first note to the last. Their music combines funk, pop, soul, RnB and traditional Romani charades. It is this combination of modern sound and Roma roots that gives them the power to appeal to young and old alike. Their song “Shiroty” has almost six million views on YouTube! The group regularly performs at festivals all over the Czech Republic and beyond. They have collaborated with such notable names as Lucie Bikárová, Anička Oláhová and Morris Kwiek. Keyboards, saxophone, guitar and distinctive voices – Kaminiko is a well-knit group of great musicians who know that music is supposed to bring people together. Just like Khamoro!

LADIX B (CZE)

Music is his language and pure Romani an unmistakable signature. Ladix B, by his own name Ladislav Billy, comes from a family of musicians. And you can hear it in his songs! He writes his own lyrics and gets help with the background music from Vajdis, a rapper and one of the most in-demand artists on the contemporary Roma music scene. The result of this fusion is modern and catchy songs on the border of pop, electro, funk and rap. It is their rhythmic energy, elegant style and authentic language that have won over tens of thousands of listeners. His YouTube videos have hundreds of thousands of views and confirm that this music resonates across generations. Ladix B doesn’t leave the music behind in his spare time, when he usually writes lyrics for other Roma artists across Europe. This talented musician shows that contemporary Roma music has a clear sound, confidence and direction. Come and enjoy his energy live at the Khamoro party!

4GYPSY SOUL (CZE)

Rhythm in the blood and gypsy funk at its best, 4Gypsy Soul builds on a strong family foundation. The band was founded in 2012 by brothers Pavel and Denis Dird, who grew up between the equipment, rehearsals and concerts. Their parents were members of the legendary funky band Gulo Čar, which brought Romani pop music, funk, RnB and soul to the Czechoslovak scene. And 4Gypsy Soul are proof that this energy hasn’t disappeared – it’s just taken on a new form. The band now has eight members and creates a sound on stage that will never leave you sitting down. Romani temperament naturally meets funk and soul in the footsteps of names like Stevie Wonder and Prince. You can hear the inspiration from global names, but 4Gypsy Soul sound their own way. With ease, energy, the desire to play to the fullest. Want an evening where you don’t just listen and stand at the bar? It wants a Khamoro party at the Shooting Range!

NATÁLIE KUCHÁROVÁ (CZE)

Since last year she has been the lead singer of the legendary band Kale. And you really can’t mistake her voice – it has a specific colour, feeling and power at the same time. Natálie Kuchárová, a native of Chomutov, studied popular singing at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory and has been involved in music since childhood. Composer and guitarist Feri Barkoci called her one of the most distinctive Romani female singers on his show Amare Lavutara. And he appreciated how naturally she blended into the sound of the band Kale, the face of which for years was the internationally acclaimed singer Věra Bílá. In addition to his work in Kala, he is also working on his own work and building a name for himself on the contemporary Romani pop scene. In February this year, she released her debut single – a cover of the traditional song “U Kašate”, which was created in collaboration with the Ando Glaso organisation in Scotland. When Natálie sings, it’s not just about technique or range. It’s an emotion that touches you. You can’t explain it, you have to experience it.

Mon

25.05. 21:00

GYPSY JAZZ CONCERT

Jazz Dock

A phenomenon that conquered the world with its fiendish speed, improvisation and deep emotions. You won’t be missing out on gypsy jazz concerts at Khamor this year, which marks the 116th anniversary of the birth of the founding father of this world-renowned genre, Django Reinhardt. You can look forward to real world stars, the continuation of the famous musical dynasty Reinhardt Sinti Jazz Ensemble and the Basily Gipsy Band & Marius Preda, who unconventionally add the dulcimer to the thrilling guitars. You simply can’t miss it!

REINHARDT SINTI JAZZ ENSEMBLE (DE)

Music of the highest quality with a pedigree that made history. The group from Germany brings the best of the contemporary gypsy jazz scene to Khamoro. And no wonder. The members of the ensemble come from a legendary musical dynasty whose most famous member was the founder of gypsy swing, Django Reinhardt. His musical esprit can be heard in every note of their playing. Not like a distant legend, but a living force. Reinhardt Sinti Jazz Ensemble combines tradition with the energy of today – serving up gypsy jazz, Latin swing, bossa nova and traditional Sinti music. All this in a performance that is technically brilliant yet full of emotion. The ensemble’s leader, guitarist Taylor Reinhardt, comes from the direct Reinhardt line and has worked with stars such as Stochelo Rosenberg, Biréli Lagrène and Jimmy Rosenberg. Django Reinhardt’s family heritage is not just a symbol for this formation. It is a commitment. Committed to offering the best of a style that has profoundly influenced European jazz.

Tue

26.05. 21:00

GYPSY JAZZ CONCERT

Jazz Dock

Experience a unique fusion of classical jazz and traditional Romani music at the second Gypsy Jazz Concert! Another evening of masterful guitars, thrilling improvisation and music that swings is waiting for you. Gypsy jazz is not just music. It’s energy – every note is improvisation, every beat tells a story.

BASILY GIPSY BAND & MARIUS PREDA (NLD)

A dulcimer at a jazz concert? Why not?! Basily Gipsy Band & Marius Preda break down ideas of what gypsy jazz should sound like. Their music is based on the legacy of the legendary Django Reinhardt, but mixes it with traditional Hungarian gypsy music, Balkan rhythms and Spanish flamenco. The result is a captivating blend that has swing, verve and unbridled improvisation. You don’t see this fusion every day! The band has performed all over the world – in Europe, the United States, Japan and even Indonesia. It has even shared the same stage with Stéphane Grappelli, violinist of the great master Django Reinhardt. And she has also played at private events for the famous Rolling Stones alongside guitarist Jeff Beck. Marius Preda is a prominent figure in the project. Considered the world’s first jazz dulcimer player, the Romanian virtuoso takes the traditional instrument into the world of modern jazz. Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by music you will remember for a long time.

Wed

27.05. 19:30

CONCERT OF CLASSICAL ROMA MUSIC

Italian Cultural Institute in Prague

Precision, family interplay and music that doesn’t listen. Khamoro will again offer a concert of classical music in its musical programme this year. And this time, you can expect an evening performed by true masters who have played in the most prestigious halls in the world. The internationally renowned musician from Italy – Santino Spinelli Alexian – will come to Prague with his family. Just the first note and you know you are in for something special.

ALEXIAN GROUP (ITA)

He has played in some of the most famous concert halls in the world, including New York’s Carnegie Hall and Milan’s La Scala. And that’s why he can’t miss the biggest Roma festival in the world! Santino Spinelli Alexian is an internationally acclaimed musician, accordionist, composer and university professor of Romani, who combines the Romani musical tradition with the classical concert environment with complete ease. He has performed before Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, and in 2019, Italian President Sergio Mattarella awarded him the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Santino Spinelli will come to Khamoro with his family ensemble, the Alexian Group. Among others, his daughter, the outstanding harpist Evedise Spinelli, and his son Gennaro Spinelli, an exceptionally talented violinist, will take the stage. He is also the president of the Union of Roma Communities in Italy. It was thanks to him that last year, for the first time in history, the Roma flag flew on Mount Everest, where he personally climbed. A famous Roma family from Italy on one stage – this will be a concert you will never forget!

Thu

28.05. 19:00

CONCERT OF TRADITIONAL ROMANI MUSIC

La Fabrica

Famous Roma songs by Czech and Slovak Roma performed by a popular Czech singer, phenomenal flamenco and a show full of emotions. The first evening of traditional Roma music at Khamor will take you from the Czech Republic to Spain to the Balkans. Expect powerful voices, a lively band and breathless dancing. Come to La Fabrika for a concert that you will only experience at our – your festival!

GIPSY BROTHERS (CZE)

A regular on the Czech Romani scene with a well-known Czech voice! Gipsy Brothers combine the experience of legendary Roma musicians with the energy of David Kraus. An excellent Czech singer, actor, lover of Romani music and a big fan of our festival. He founded the band together with musician Milan Šenki with the sole aim of bringing Romani music to a wider audience without losing its authenticity. The band’s line-up will come as no surprise to local fans of Romani music. On the stage are personalities associated with the legendary group Bengas, which fundamentally influenced the shape of Romani pop in the Czech Republic. Vladimír “Žabák” Demeter, whose unmistakable voice has been known for generations, is not missing. The Gipsy Brothers bring Romani music to the stage as it should be. Strong melodies, a well-knit band, distinctive voices. What more could you ask for?

ENIGMA ROMILOR (MDA)

A dynamic show that will bring you to your knees! Enigma Romilor from Chisinau, Moldova, brings to Khamoro a performance full of colourful costumes, fast steps and infectious energy. The ensemble is one of the most distinctive Romani ensembles in Moldova and you can feel it from the first minute on stage! They present traditional Roma songs and dances in a modern coat, but they do not forget their roots. Folklore does not belong in a museum, but on stage. It breathes in their performance, responds to the contemporary audience and appeals to all ages. The members of Enigma Romilor regularly perform at festivals at home and abroad. They also frequently present the beauty of Romani culture on Moldovan television programmes. Each of their performances is thought out in detail, from the musical arrangements to the choreography. See for yourself! The show of this group from Moldova is really worth it!

ESCUELA DE FLAMENCO ARABASQUEES (ESP)

Precise steps, graceful movements and a proud attitude that speaks without words. That’s exactly what flamenco is, performed by Escuela Flamenco Arabesquees from Spain! The group consists of top artists who have gained experience in renowned flamenco ensembles. It is no wonder that they are among the real leaders – the project is also backed by a flamenco school that has trained dozens of professional dancers since 1980. The company has performed at legendary venues such as Madrid’s famous Tablao Corral de la Morería and Teatro Flamenco Madrid. Their performances are based on strong emotions, precise rhythm and movement that can tell a story – just as you are used to in flamenco. But Escuela Flamenco Arabesquees doesn’t just stick to tradition. Their show combines classic flamenco with more modern elements that give the genre a new dimension. Get ready for an evening of passion. And the silence between heel strikes will have the same power as the notes of the flamenco guitar.

Fri

29.05. 19:00

CONCERT OF TRADITIONAL ROMANI MUSIC

La Fabrica

Energetic Romani chapas from Hungary, Romani songs from the film Gypsies Go to Heaven and real Balkan brass band that won’t leave you sitting down. The second night of traditional Roma music at La Fabrica will be worth it! Here you will not just listen. Here you will sing, clap, dance – just live!

SARE ROMA
(LTU)

Do you love Romani songs from Eastern Europe? The ones that start with a slow melancholic melody and within a moment turn into a rhythm that makes the whole audience dance? So do we! And that’s why this year we invited the Lithuanian ensemble Sare Roma, one of the most famous Roma formations in Lithuania, to Khamoro. Since the 1990s, it has been presenting the music of Lithuanian Roma to the audience, which is characterised by themes of Russian and Polish Roma folklore. In their performances, Sare Roma often combine traditional Roma romances with more modern pop songs. The group is led by the charismatic singer Istvan Kvik, who has made a name for himself in Lithuania by participating in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. But Sare Roma is not just a band. Their concerts are close to a theatrical show, where singing, music and dance are naturally intertwined. This cannot be described in a few lines of text. You have to experience it!

VOJAKE SHAVE
(HUN)

Do you know the energetic Hungarian chappies? If not, you can experience them for yourself at Khamor! They are brought to you by the band Vojake Shave – “merry men” in Romani. And believe me, the name fits perfectly. The band is made up of experienced musicians from Roma musician families who have been surrounded by music since childhood. Their work is based on the musical tradition of the Hungarian Roma, which they keep alive while giving it a contemporary form. Their repertoire is based on original Romani songs, which they perform with infectious energy and a distinctive temperament. It is the combination of strong voices, lively rhythms and natural musicianship that gives the band a distinctive sound that audiences will quickly remember. Vojake Shave regularly performs at festivals in Hungary and abroad, where they quickly win over audiences from both Roma and majority society. You can expect Romani music that has drive, rhythm and the joy of playing. And chapas that are hard to sit through.

MAYA ATANASOVA & KARANDILA ORKESTAR (BGR)

It wouldn’t be Khamoro without the genuine Balkan brass band! And this year, the Karandila Orchestra from Sliven, Bulgaria, is bringing it to the biggest Roma festival in the world. This band is one of the best Balkan Roma brass bands has to offer. Their music combines the tradition of Bulgarian brass bands with the rhythm of swing, bebop and oriental melodies. The result? A sound that sweeps you away before you can say your first “bravo”. Karandila Orchestra has performed at major European festivals and their concerts are renowned for not leaving the audience sitting still for long. They are often joined on stage by singer Maya Atanasova, one of the most interesting voices of the young generation of the Bulgarian Roma scene. Her rendition of traditional Balkan melodies sounds raw but modern at the same time. And it is this combination that is quickly winning over audiences at home and abroad. Dance with us in the Balkan way! With Karandila Orchestra it will be a ride!

Sat

30.05. 20:00

Gala concert

SaSaZu

The highlight of the festival week! The final gala concert in one of Prague’s biggest clubs will feature performances by all the bands that have presented traditional Romani music concerts at La Fabrica in the previous days. On one stage you will hear Roma music from different parts of the world – from chapas and flamenco to Balkan brass music. And as is tradition at Khamor, the evening will culminate with the singing of the international Roma anthem Gelem, gelem. An incredible atmosphere that you have to experience for yourself!

GIPSY BROTHERS (CZE)

A regular on the Czech Romani scene with a well-known Czech voice! Gipsy Brothers combine the experience of legendary Roma musicians with the energy of David Kraus. An excellent Czech singer, actor, lover of Romani music and a big fan of our festival. He founded the band together with musician Milan Šenki with the sole aim of bringing Romani music to a wider audience without losing its authenticity. The band’s line-up will come as no surprise to local fans of Romani music. On the stage are personalities associated with the legendary group Bengas, which fundamentally influenced the shape of Romani pop in the Czech Republic. Vladimír “Žabák” Demeter, whose unmistakable voice has been known for generations, is not missing. The Gipsy Brothers bring Romani music to the stage as it should be. Strong melodies, a well-knit band, distinctive voices. What more could you ask for?

ENIGMA ROMILOR (MDA)

A dynamic show that will bring you to your knees! Enigma Romilor from Chisinau, Moldova, brings to Khamoro a performance full of colourful costumes, fast steps and infectious energy. The ensemble is one of the most distinctive Romani ensembles in Moldova and you can feel it from the first minute on stage! They present traditional Roma songs and dances in a modern coat, but they do not forget their roots. Folklore does not belong in a museum, but on stage. It breathes in their performance, responds to the contemporary audience and appeals to all ages. The members of Enigma Romilor regularly perform at festivals at home and abroad. They also frequently present the beauty of Romani culture on Moldovan television programmes. Each of their performances is thought out in detail, from the musical arrangements to the choreography. See for yourself! The show of this group from Moldova is really worth it!

ESCUELA DE FLAMENCO ARABASQUEES (ESP)

Precise steps, graceful movements and a proud attitude that speaks without words. That’s exactly what flamenco is, performed by Escuela Flamenco Arabesquees from Spain! The group consists of top artists who have gained experience in renowned flamenco ensembles. It is no wonder that they are among the real leaders – the project is also backed by a flamenco school that has trained dozens of professional dancers since 1980. The company has performed at legendary venues such as Madrid’s famous Tablao Corral de la Morería and Teatro Flamenco Madrid. Their performances are based on strong emotions, precise rhythm and movement that can tell a story – just as you are used to in flamenco. But Escuela Flamenco Arabesquees doesn’t just stick to tradition. Their show combines classic flamenco with more modern elements that give the genre a new dimension. Get ready for an evening of passion. And the silence between heel strikes will have the same power as the notes of the flamenco guitar.

SARE ROMA
(LTU)

Do you love Romani songs from Eastern Europe? The ones that start with a slow melancholic melody and within a moment turn into a rhythm that makes the whole audience dance? So do we! And that’s why this year we invited the Lithuanian ensemble Sare Roma, one of the most famous Roma formations in Lithuania, to Khamoro. Since the 1990s, it has been presenting the music of Lithuanian Roma to the audience, which is characterised by themes of Russian and Polish Roma folklore. In their performances, Sare Roma often combine traditional Roma romances with more modern pop songs. The group is led by the charismatic singer Istvan Kvik, who has made a name for himself in Lithuania by participating in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. But Sare Roma is not just a band. Their concerts are close to a theatrical show, where singing, music and dance are naturally intertwined. This cannot be described in a few lines of text. You have to experience it!

VOJAKE SHAVE
(HUN)

Do you know the energetic Hungarian chappies? If not, you can experience them for yourself at Khamor! They are brought to you by the band Vojake Shave – “merry men” in Romani. And believe me, the name fits perfectly. The band is made up of experienced musicians from Roma musician families who have been surrounded by music since childhood. Their work is based on the musical tradition of the Hungarian Roma, which they keep alive while giving it a contemporary form. Their repertoire is based on original Romani songs, which they perform with infectious energy and a distinctive temperament. It is the combination of strong voices, lively rhythms and natural musicianship that gives the band a distinctive sound that audiences will quickly remember. Vojake Shave regularly performs at festivals in Hungary and abroad, where they quickly win over audiences from both Roma and majority society. You can expect Romani music that has drive, rhythm and the joy of playing. And chapas that are hard to sit through.

MAYA ATANASOVA & KARANDILA ORKESTAR (BGR)

It wouldn’t be Khamoro without the genuine Balkan brass band! And this year, the Karandila Orchestra from Sliven, Bulgaria, is bringing it to the biggest Roma festival in the world. This band is one of the best Balkan Roma brass bands has to offer. Their music combines the tradition of Bulgarian brass bands with the rhythm of swing, bebop and oriental melodies. The result? A sound that sweeps you away before you can say your first “bravo”. Karandila Orchestra has performed at major European festivals and their concerts are renowned for not leaving the audience sitting still for long. They are often joined on stage by singer Maya Atanasova, one of the most interesting voices of the young generation of the Bulgarian Roma scene. Her rendition of traditional Balkan melodies sounds raw but modern at the same time. And it is this combination that is quickly winning over audiences at home and abroad. Dance with us in the Balkan way! With Karandila Orchestra it will be a ride!