about the
project
The "Romani Feminist Music and Digital Equity" project aimed to raise awareness about Romani feminist music and address issues of cultural appropriation and self-representation within digital spaces. By collaborating with the Gure Golé choir from Bilbao, Spain, DJ Aldessa from Romania conducted a workshop focused on ''Romani feminist music and Digital Equity''. During the workshop Dj Aldessa shared some songs produced by Romani women artists to discuss the lyrics and the perspective of feminism in music and social justice. Together with the choir Gure Golé a definition of what roma feminist music can be was discussed. The workshop also explored the parallels between 'manele' music in Romania and flamenco music in Spain, highlighting how these communities navigated digital platforms to confront stereotypes and advocate for cultural authenticity. The initiative employed using music as a tool to challenge norms, promote intersectionality, and advocate for equity and justice in the digital music landscape.
IN+ principle exploration:
[DIGITAL EQUITY]
The community co-explored the principle of digital equity by actively participating in workshops and discussions that focused on the intersections of music, feminism, and digital access. Members of the Gure Golé choir and DJ Aldessa collaborated to share their experiences and insights, contributing to a collective understanding of the cultural appropriation, feminist perspective in music and challenges faced in digital spaces.
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digital
[in]equity
In the project, digital equity was approached by collaborating with the Gure Golé choir and DJ Aldessa to amplify Romani voices and address barriers to digital access and representation. For the participants, digital equity meant having the opportunities and resources for Romani artists to authentically share their music and cultural expressions without facing discrimination or appropriation. This concept resonated deeply and led to broader discussions about systemic barriers and the need for more inclusive digital platforms.
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critical insights from your project
Cultural Appropriation and Self Representation
A key insight was the ongoing challenge of cultural appropriation and the need for self representation. The project illustrated how Romani artists can use digital platforms to reclaim their narratives and counteract misrepresentation and appropriation in mainstream media.
Community Engagement
Engaging with Romani artists and communities directly was crucial for understanding their needs and perspectives. The project highlighted the importance of involving communities in discussions about digital equity to ensure that solutions are relevant and effective.
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Amplification of Marginalized Voices
The project highlighted the importance of amplifying Romani voices within digital spaces. By collaborating with the Gure Golé choir and DJ Aldessa, the project showcased how elevating the work of Romani artists can challenge stereotypes and promote cultural self-representation.
project outcomes
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Through art social issues can bring attention to marginalized communities. By addressing these themes in their lyrics, artists can educate and inform audiences about the challenges faced by different groups.
By reinterpreting traditional and mainstream songs with feminist lyrics, the Gure Golé Coro challenges societal norms and encourages listeners to question existing stereotypes and biases about Romani women.
Music can can create a sense of solidarity and collective action in the fight for equity and justice, as seen in the choir’s involvement in the International Women’s Day march.
organisation
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Website: https://romnjafeministlib.com/
Romnja Feminist Library is a digital platform for knowledge production centered on the past, present, and future of Roma Feminism. Our vision is to build and contribute to a space that honors the past, celebrates the present, and shapes the future of Roma feminism. We endeavor to redefine narratives, uphold visibility, and challenge systemic injustices for Romani women and girls worldwide. Our mission extends beyond being a mere repository of information, we aim to create spaces for Romani women and girls and to give visibility to the multitude of Romani women writers, researchers, activists, students and girls who face challenges in publishing their work within an industry predominantly dominated by white men.
artist
DJ Aldessa Aldessa is a Roma feminist intersectional DJ from Romania. In 2017, she initiated the 'Manele Feministe' theme party as a reaction to oppressive systems and cultural appropriation towards the ‘manele’ genre produced by the Roma community in her country. At the heart of her DJ sets is the 'feminist intersectional filter,' a curated selection that amplifies unheard voices, challenges norms, and promotes intersectionality on the dance floor. Aldessa's work extends globally, collaborating with NGOs and collectives, spreading intersectionality principles through music.
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Linktree: https://linktr.ee/djaldessa
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/djaldessaa/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/georgiana-lincan
community
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The Gure Golé Coro is a unique and inspiring ensemble based in Bilbao, Spain. As a Roma feminist choir, they are affiliated with the Asociación AMUGE, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and empowerment of Romani women. This choir stands out for its creative reinterpretations of traditional Romani songs and popular mainstream music, infusing them with feminist themes to promote gender equality and social justice.
The choir is actively involved in organizing and participating in events, such as the International Women's Day march on March 8th in Bilbao. Through their performances, they amplify the voices of Romani women and celebrate their strength and freedom.
The Gure Golé Coro's contributions extend beyond music; they are a vital part of a broader movement for equality and inclusion, using their art to inspire and empower audiences while challenging stereotypes and advocating for a more equitable society.
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T8GshHxUMA
Website: https://amuge.org/#ut-to-first-section