Mahala Rai Banda

About the artist

Mahala Rai Banda is a Romani band from Bucharest, Romania, formed in 2004 by violinist and composer Aurel Ionita, who hails from a family of lăutari from Clejani and is related to members of Taraf de Haïdouks. The band's name translates to "Noble Band from the Ghetto". Their distinctive sound is a fusion of traditional Romani music, Balkan-influenced club music (Balkan Beats), and popular music, incorporating violins, accordions, and a robust brass section played by musicians from Zece Prăjini, often described as a blend of hard Balkan brass with minor key violin and accordion melodies. They are known for their energetic live performances, which effortlessly combine inventive arrangements with an undeniable ability to turn every concert into a wild party. Since their debut album in 2005, Mahala Rai Banda has gained international acclaim, performing over 800 concerts in more than 30 countries across Europe, the U.S.A., Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Their song "Mahalageasca" became particularly famous, appearing in the British-American film *Borat*, as well as in several other films and advertising campaigns. Their music has also been remixed by notable electronic artists and producers like Shantel, Nouvelle Vague, and Balkan Beat Box, featuring on international compilations and being considered pioneers of the "Electric Gipsy Land" phenomenon. Their second album, "Ghetto Blasters," released in 2009, climbed to second place in the World Music Charts Europe and was voted among the top ten "Best Albums Of The Year 2009" by Songlines magazine. As of late, while their management indicates they continue to perform private and corporate events, there are no specific upcoming tour dates listed for 2025 or 2026, with their most recent publicized concerts dating back to 2023. In a January 2021 interview, leader Aurel Ionita expressed that he still has "a lot to say and do in music". There is no information readily available regarding new album releases or major public endeavors beyond their established success and continued presence in the global music scene through their classic repertoire.