The Balkanology parties in South Africa were first launched in June 2006 by Event Director Ma’or Harris and a distinctive, highly talented group of collaborators.
After five hit parties with numbers growing from 500 at the first to 3,000 at the fifth, Balkanology has created a cult following and a powerful brand synonymous with zest, energy and a theatrical music experience.
The parties are styled in the way of traditional Eastern European gypsy camps with caravans, bales of hay, tents with tarot and palm-readers, goats, chickens and pigs with DJ’s and musicians performing a remixed fusion of Gypsy, Serbian, Macedonian, Bulgarian and Romanian melodies
DJ Toby2shoes, a pioneer of alternative music in general in South Africa, has drawn inspiration from the Balkanology vision and with Ma’or Harris’ directing, is now seen as the ambassador for Balkan-gypsy-folk.
The Kolo Novo Movie Band, founded by musical director, Grada Djeri specifically for Balkanology has brought together some of the biggest names in South African music to produce a fusion of cultures and musical styles ranging from the Middle Eastern to the Mediterranean and Balkan.
Each party also features an international DJ: Boom Pam (Israel), Dunkelbunt (Austria), Robert Soko (Berlin).