The origin story of ‘Romane Cierhenia’ – the Roma Stars of Glasgow

In this issue of Roma News and Views, Aliana Michalewicz sits down with her mum Sonia to learn more about their fascinating, famous family history rooted in music and dance, how they brought this from Poland to Glasgow, and their hopes for the future.

A photo of the Terno Lovari Roma people taken in the 70’s

Aliana Michalewicz | Photo provided by Romano Lav

Mum, what do you remember about the music scene as a child?

When I was very small, my grandpa would travel on the train with my uncles and play music to earn money to feed the family. They would perform with other family members, including my uncle Artur. He was a Gadjo—the Romani word for someone who is not Roma—but he embraced Roma culture and life. He even married a Roma woman. Together, they formed a band that became very popular and traveled the world.

When I was about eight, my cousins and I would imitate the adults. We wanted to be like them, but we couldn’t play instruments. I remember the boys pretending to play guitars that were really just sticks! We sang, danced, and even held concerts for the village on the roof of our garage.

We always wished to perform with the adults, but they were so professional—touring Europe, America, and Canada. Finally, when I was a teenager, the group needed young women to join the lineup. One day, my dad came home and told me: “Dress up! You’re gonna do a performance with us!” I was thrilled, but when I got on stage, I was stunned. I didn’t know how to sing or what to do! My auntie Bozena helped me, teaching me how to move and encouraging me to sing just one song.

I was so embarrassed that I froze on stage and couldn’t even sing a word, but the group supported me so well that the audience didn’t notice anything was wrong! That was my first stage experience.

When the adults in our family (who were part of another group called Bacht) saw how much we loved playing music, they decided to teach us. They even formed a kids’ group for us called Bary Bacht (meaning “big luck” in Romani). Over time, the boys learned real instruments—no more sticks! Now, they play real guitars and accordions.

How did your band form?

The kids from Bary Bacht eventually moved to Scotland, and as adults, we wanted to form a band. I searched for help and found Marcela, the founder of Romano Lav, on Facebook. She wanted to help us, and within two days, we had set up a music group!

I explained that we weren’t professionals, and she said we could rehearse. So, I gathered 13 or 14 people to form the group. We completed one project, and I asked everyone if they wanted to continue. They all said yes!

Why? Because it brought back the Roma life—something we had been missing. Before, it was just work and school, with none of the joy and culture of Roma life. Music made everything better.

I told them that if we were serious about the group, we needed a name. We chose Romane Cierhenia, which means "Roma stars." Now, we’ve been together for almost 10 years!

That's lovely! how does the music make you feel?

It makes me feel free. Music is incredibly important in our lives. Through music, you can share your emotions, express how you feel, and even show your love for someone. Our songs tell stories about everything—life, love, struggles, and joy.

For us, music represents freedom. When we gather to play, it feels like we’re creating our own little Roma country. I don’t know if you know this, Aliana, but we don’t have a country of our own. Yet through music, we preserve and pass on our traditions, culture, history—everything that makes us Roma.

How do you want the future to look for your people?

My hope is that our children never have to experience discrimination. I wish that word would vanish from their lives. I want them to grow up happy, and above all, free.