The concert is part of the Hungarian Cultural Centre London?s effort, started in 1999, to present to British audiences a different aspect of Hungarian culture each year. In 2006 the institute is focusing on Roma poetry, folklore, art and music. The Hungarian Roma Focus series started on January 22.
Kalyi Jag (Black Fire) was founded in 1978 by young Roma lawyers, cultural organisers and workers living in northeast Hungary. The band released its first album in 1987, and it was hailed by critics for revolutionising Gypsy folk music. A film was made about the band a year later, which was shown around the world. After showings in Asia, Kalyi Jag was invited to play in Japan and South Korea. The band first played in Britain in 1988, after a successful tour of the continent. In Britain, they played 16 shows featuring famous guest musicians at some of the biggest venues in the country. They returned to the UK in 2004 during the Magyar Magic cultural season to play a sold-out show.
During the Roma Focus series, the Hungarian Cultural Centre in London will work in cooperation with the London Jazz Festival, Pulse Festival, the popular clubs Cargo and Spitz, and with St James?s Picadilly Church, one of London?s most famous concert venues.
