Bulgarian violinist, singer, and actress Emanuela Kalcheva-Djaima performed a rendition of the traditional Bulgarian folk dance, Gankino Horo, during a concert marking International Jazz Day on April 30, organized by the Jazz Society of Egypt. Regarding her artistic approach, Djaima stated that her style of jazz is characterized by fusion, blending traditional influences, such as Bulgarian or Romani music, with contemporary jazz elements. She noted her commitment to developing a unique musical voice.
The performance of Gankino Horo was particularly challenging for the artist due to the complexity of its rhythm. Reflecting on the piece, she shared that the performance brought her to remember her father’s early advice to study Bulgarian music. On stage, Djaima was accompanied by Amro Salah, a pianist and composer with deep ties to Bulgaria, Andre Segone on bass, and Fady Tawab Louis on drums.
She described the collaboration as engaging for the musicians. The performance was noted for its blend of mathematical precision—necessary because of the difficult 11/8 rhythm—and spontaneous improvisation inherent in the genre. Originally graduating from the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia, Djaima spent nearly three decades in Paris before relocating to Cairo during the pandemic to teach music.
Currently, she participates in the trio Sacree Femmes, collaborating with American cellist Kira Weiss and Egyptian musician Safa El-Helaly, who plays the rababa.
Topics: #jazz #bulgarian #djaima
