Czech nonprofit recording studio to combat social exclusion of young Roma

A former casino on Milada Horáková Street in Brno is becoming a place for the motivation and support of artistically gifted young Romani people. Young, engaged Roma are building a multimedia recording studio that will function as a nonprofit in collaboration with the NGO IQ Roma servis, the Faculty of Social Sciences of Masaryk University, and the Brno-střed Municipal Department.

In the new multimedia "Amaro Records" studio, "artistic playing", whether with composing, instruments or singing, will become a motivation and support for a better future for young people there. It has taken several years to give birth to the studio.

Gejza Horváth, an experienced and famous Romani musician, convinced IQ Roma servis to open a professional musical after-school program more than seven years ago that would target young beginning Romani musicians for guidance and support. Practice has shown that a professional music program is of comprehensive benefit to the community, enjoying high attendance and interest.  

"Young Romani people learn how to work hard in music, they learn about perseverance, regular practice and rules, they get direct feedback and are able to develop their ambitions and capacities. Many young Romani musicians are also good students thanks to their determination and their experiences with music. Currently I am working with more than 40 beginning musicians and I predict that the recording studio will significantly increase their numbers," said Horváth.