Romani musician Jan Surmaj has passed away in the Czech Republic

Romani musician Jan Surmaj passed away in the early morning hours of 4 July at the age of 64 after a long illness. He grew up in the Romani settlement of Kochanovice in eastern Slovakia.

Mr Surmaj dedicated himself to music beginning in his childhood, mainly playing the accordion and violin. After his military service, he moved with his brother and mother to Neratovice in Central Bohemia.

He continued his musical career in Bohemia after having begun playing at weddings and in wine bars in Slovakia. He established his own orchestra and performed in several films.

Mr Surmaj and his wife raised two sons who are also musicians. ROMEA TV recorded the interview below with him for their “Memory of the Roma” (Paměť Romů) series.

VIDEO