Anette Åkerlund

The many branches of the Roma people have influenced musical cultures throughout Europe. The voice of Finland's ancient, original Roma minority can be heard especially in the tango and 'iskelmä', but the Roma's own, strong musical tradition has only been brought into mainstream culture in recent years.

Music is strongly associated with the Romani people. Singing was always a part of travelling with horse-drawn wagons or sleighs, or resting by the campfire. Music still occupies a large role in the lives of many Romani today, even as traditional lifestyles are being replaced by modern ones.