Semeli - from rebetiko to rap
There is an old saying "If there is a will - there is a way". This saying works these days and today we are transported to the world of the young Greek singer Semeli Papavasileiou. An artist, we would call her that because she is not just a performer, composer or musician. She gathers in herself exactly the soul that makes the miracle. And the scissors of the genres is open as much as possible - from rebetiko to rap. This somehow justifies once again our concept of the globe and how connected everything is. It is with subordinance to the connections that we study Semeli's music with attention and pleasure.
Extreme, sharp, frank to the limit - today we enjoy the music of Semeli and travel virtually. Geographically and historically. Because everything is connected.
Semeli Papavasileiou was born into a family of musicians. From a young age she started playing the cello, later the guitar, oud, bouzouki. After graduating from a classical music education, she continued with theatrical education. Maybe it complements her presence on stage, because she is one of the most sought after rebetiko musicians nowadays. And she is only 26. You will see Semeli playing guitar and cello. You will hear and feel her connection with the past, but you will also hear her rapping with sharp social messages. An extract of which could be the verse - we live in the company of garbage… sad-cheerful, deep and real. Somehow proving why freedom is priceless. Why traditions are the basis and how important it is to move forward, stepping on the past.
But most of all - sincere and true. No complexes and true to herself. You will see her longhaired and bald. And so what. The inner strength is still here - the form is transitional and deceptive. Even testing.
Today we go through the metamorphoses of Semeli Papavasileiou. We start with a few classic rebetiko songs.
Black Sheep Trio - Pare to Dakri mou
And as a finale we listen to Semeli rapping.
April 2021
Image ©MA
