A Romani Family Story

The story of Parno Gift begins with the Eskenazy family. Patriach Joseph was a renowned accordionist in Romania, and his son Alain inherited his passion for music. In the 1970s, Alain and his family left Romania and settled in Soulan, a small town in southwestern France.

Alain and his brothers formed Parno Git (Gypsy Pride) in 1987. The band's early music was rooted in traditional Romani styles, but they soon began to experiment with different sounds. They incorporated elements of funk, rock, and even reggae into their music, creating a unique and eclectic sound.

Parno Gift Band Members Playing Their Instruments Parno S Gift: The Black Sheep Of Soulan: 5

In 1996, the band changed their name to Parno Gift (Black Sheep),reflecting their outsider status in both the Romani and non-Romani communities. Their music has always been a reflection of their own experiences as Romani people, and they have never shied away from addressing social issues in their songs.

Musical Fusion

Parno Gift's music is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. They seamlessly blend traditional Romani melodies with elements of funk, rock, reggae, and even classical music. This eclectic mix creates a sound that is both familiar and unique.

The band's instrumentation is just as diverse as their music. They use traditional Romani instruments such as the accordion, violin, and clarinet, as well as electric guitars, bass, and drums. This allows them to create a wide range of sounds, from traditional Romani folk songs to high-energy rock anthems.

Parno Gift's lyrics are often political and socially conscious. They sing about the struggles and discrimination that Romani people face, as well as the importance of family and community. Their music is a powerful voice for the Romani people, and it has helped to raise awareness of their culture and history.

  • Funk: Parno Gift incorporates elements of funk into their music, such as the use of syncopated rhythms and funky basslines.
  • Rock: The band also uses elements of rock music, such as distorted guitars and powerful drums.
  • Reggae: Parno Gift has also been influenced by reggae music, which is evident in the use of relaxed rhythms and dub effects.

Cultural Identity

Parno Gift's music is a reflection of their own cultural identity as Romani people. They use their music to celebrate their culture and traditions, while also addressing the social issues that they face.

The band's name, Parno Gift, means "Black Sheep" in Romani. This name reflects the band's outsider status in both the Romani and non-Romani communities. They have never been afraid to challenge traditional Romani norms, and their music often reflects this. For example, their song "Les Yeux Noirs" (The Black Eyes) is a powerful anthem about the beauty and resilience of Romani women.

Parno Gift's music is a powerful force for social change. It helps to break down stereotypes about Romani people and promotes understanding and acceptance. The band has performed all over the world, and they have been praised by critics and audiences alike.

The Limitless Spirit

Parno Gift's music is a testament to the limitless spirit of the Romani people. Despite centuries of persecution and discrimination, they have never lost their love of music and their passion for life. Parno Gift's music is a celebration of Romani culture and a powerful voice for social change.

The band's success is a reminder that music has the power to cross borders and bring people together. Parno Gift's music is a gift to the world, and it is a reminder that we are all connected to each other.