Roma

Typically nomadic, Roma have long acted as wandering entertainers and tradesmen. In all the places Roma live, in Europe, North Africa, the

Typically nomadic, Roma have long acted as wandering entertainers and tradesmen. In all the places Roma live, in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and northwest India, they have become known as musicians. The wide distances travelled have introduced a multitude of influences, using Indian roots and adding Arab, Persian, Turkish, Slavic, Romanian, German, French, Spanish and Celtic flourishes.

Roma music characteristically has vocals that tend to be soulful and declamatory, and the music often incorporates prominent glissandi (slides) between notes. Instrumentation varies widely, varying by the region the music comes from.