Mahala Rai Banda to Close the Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize 2025 Gala
ERIAC is proud to announce that members of the internationally acclaimed Mahala Rai Banda will perform at the Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize 2025 Gala on 29 November 2025 at the Romanian Athenaeum.
Mahala Rai Banda is a renowned Romani band founded by violinist and composer Aurel Ioniță, bringing together musicians from the celebrated villages of Clejani and Zece Prajini from Romania. Their sound blends traditional Romani melodies, violin and accordion lines with powerful brass arrangements, creating an energetic fusion between classic lăutar traditions and contemporary Balkan club culture.
The band rose to international prominence after the release of their acclaimed debut album, which reached number three on the World Music Charts Europe in 2004. Their iconic track Mahalageasca gained global recognition after being featured in the soundtrack of Borat and in numerous films and advertising campaigns. Their music has been remixed by Nouvelle Vague, Felix B of Basement Jaxx, Balkan Beat Box, DJ Click, Russ Jones, Shantel and many others.
Mahala Rai Banda has performed more than eight hundred concerts in over thirty countries across Europe, the United States, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, appearing at major festivals, concert halls and cultural venues worldwide. Their 2009 album Ghetto Blasters, released by Asphalt Tango, reached number two on the World Music Charts Europe and was praised internationally for its bold mix of Balkan brass, Romani tradition and reggae influences, including the widely celebrated track Balkan Reggae.
Recognised as pioneers of the Electric Gypsy sound, Mahala Rai Banda continues to evolve through collaborations, recordings and performances that bridge tradition and innovation. Their unmistakable Eastern groove and charismatic stage presence have established them as one of the most influential and enduring bands of the contemporary Balkan music scene.
Their performance will bring an energetic and celebratory conclusion to the Tajsa 2025 Gala.
Watch Live
The event will be livestreamed online via ERIAC’s YouTube channel
Join Us at the Tajsa 2025 Gala
Mahala Rai Banda joins an evening dedicated to honouring the Tajsa finalists—Coco Reyes, Noell Maggini, Riah Knight, Sead Kazanxhiu, and Selma Selman—and to gathering the ERIAC network, associated members, partners, and guests from across Europe.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025 | Time: 19:00
Venue: Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest
Dress Code: Fashionably elegant
Registration: Attendance by registration only.
