London

Sevdalides Anthology

Sevdalides bring an evening of rebetiko and Greek folk music to The Harrison on Monday 29th June.

Often referred to as the “Greek blues”, rebetiko emerged in the ports and working-class districts of early 20th century Greece, blending Greek, Ottoman and Balkan influences into songs of love, exile, loss, rebellion and everyday life.

Based in the heart of London, Sevdalides was formed by musicians from Greece and Cyprus brought together through homesickness, friendship and a shared love for this music. Their name comes from the word sevdas, a deep feeling of longing, passion and emotional devotion, something that lies at the centre of both rebetiko and their approach to performance.

Drawing from the classic repertoire of Smyrnaic songs, rebetiko and old Greek folk traditions, Sevdalides combine bouzouki, guitar and vocal harmonies in performances that are intimate, raw and deeply human. While rooted in tradition, their music carries the energy of people keeping these songs alive far from home.