Monika Lakatos

What Monika Lakatos makes

Topics romani, folk-music, cultural-heritage, music-performance, european-music

Mónika Lakatos was born in Budapest to an Olah Gypsy family. After performing with various bands, Mónika and her husband Mihály “Mazsi” Rostás founded Romengo, playing original songs rooted in Olah Gypsy musical tradition. In 2018 she founded Mónika Lakatos and the Gypsy Voices. In 2020 Mónika became the first Romani recipient of the WOMEX Artist Award, the most prestigious award in world music. Mónika’s elemental voice and singing style is instantly recognizable – she makes every song and melody her own, be it a sorrowful hallgato, a fast and rhythmic pergeto, a folk song, or an original. Mónika is the embodiment of Olah Romani music and culture – music flows out of her with ease and authenticity, translating flawlessly to any stage of the world, be it in Berlin or Borneo.

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