The success of Roma is too often overlooked, the problems are seen above all

Imer Traja Brizani, founder of the Roma-based music group Amala, will celebrate 30 years since its formation and 46 years of artistic creation during a special concert on August 31 at Ljubljana’s Križanke. The event, part of the 74th Ljubljana Festival, will feature the Symphony Orchestra, the Big Band of RTV Slovenia, and numerous guests including Alenka Godec, Oto Pestner, Lana Trotovšek, his sons Bernardo and Armando, and his brother Agim. The evening will be hosted by Mojca Mavec, with cultural dialogue led by Violeta Tomić. The concert marks a culmination of decades of musical journey and family legacy. Brizani, who established Amala in 1996, did not initially envision a three-decade-long story. At the time, he had a clear vision rooted in the “Roma symphonic ethno-jazz” style pioneered by Jani Golob. While he anticipated success, he did not foresee how long the journey would last. His work has been deeply influenced by his father, Uka Brizani, a traditional Roma musician, whose heritage continues through generations. This connection to roots has allowed Brizani to dream big, even as he navigates the complexities of identity and tradition. The fusion of Roma music, jazz, and symphonic sound was intentional yet organic. It emerged from a well-defined artistic plan and extensive study. Brizani sought to create music grounded in Roma traditions while integrating elements of jazz, soul, funk, and classical genres. This approach reflects both his personal history, rooted in Pristina, and his move to Slovenia in 1979. Improvisation plays a key role in this process, allowing traditional sounds to evolve into new forms. The result is a genre-defying style that bridges past and present. The jubilee concert will bring together a diverse array of musicians and collaborators. Alongside the Symphony Orchestra and Big Band, the event will showcase guest appearances by notable figures such as Alenka Godec, Oto Pestner, and Lana Trotovšek. Brizani’s sons, Bernardo and Armando, and his brother Agim will also perform, symbolizing a continuity of artistic expression within his family. The concert is described as more than just a performance, it is a celebration of life, culture, and shared experiences. It serves as a tribute to all who have supported the group over the years, from early supporters to fellow musicians and festival organizers. Brizani’s musical career began in Pristina under the influence of his father. Upon arriving in Slovenia in December 1979, he studied dentistry while playing in pop bands. It was during this period that jazz took hold of him, leading to collaborations with his brother Agim and performances with the Ugrin-Divjak ensemble featuring Ratko Divjak. These experiences left a lasting impact, particularly through recordings with Lojze Krajnčan. Jazz captivated him with its freedom of improvisation, which allowed Roma traditions to flow into spontaneous creative exchanges. Collaborations with renowned artists such as Jože Privšek, Bojan Adamič, and American jazz bassist, composer, and professor Peter Erskine have left indelible marks on Brizani’s work. Privšek instilled in him a sense of compositional discipline, while Erskine introduced him to global musical dimensions. Their interactions expanded Brizani’s horizons, connecting him with international audiences and deepening his understanding of Roma culture. Erskine’s appreciation for Brizani’s family further enriched their collaboration, blending musical styles with personal connections. Describing Amala’s music to someone unfamiliar with the group, Brizani emphasizes its boundless nature. The repertoire spans from electric bass to violin, piano, and live percussion, creating a dynamic range of sounds. Concerts with Amala are journeys that dissolve assumptions and speak directly to the listener. The group aims to foster a bond between performers and audience members, a dialogue that transcends genre and cultural boundaries. This ethos defines Amala’s mission and distinguishes it in the broader landscape of contemporary music. The continuity of Brizani’s family involvement in music is a defining aspect of his legacy. Four generations of his family have contributed to the art form, from ancestors to his own children. When the entire family performs together, it represents a convergence of past, present, and future. This ongoing commitment ensures that the tradition endures, passing down knowledge and inspiration through time. The preservation of this legacy is seen as a privilege and a responsibility, one that binds the family to their cultural roots and artistic aspirations.