Mahala Rai Banda

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Mahala Rai Banda
Background information
Origin	Bucharest, Romania
Genres	lăutărească, popular music
Years active	since 2004 (2004)
Website	www.mahalaraibanda.ro

Mahala Rai Banda is a Romani band based in Bucharest (Romania). The band was formed by violinist and composer Aurel Ionita, who originates from a family of Lăutari from the village of Clejani. He is related to several members of Taraf de Haïdouks.^[1] The band plays Balkan-influenced music. Instrumentation used by the band includes violins, accordions, and brass instruments played by musicians from Zece Prăjini. Their music includes a mixture of traditional popular music and Balkan-influenced club music (Balkan Beats). Their music is known for its blend of arrangements, traditional elements, and modern approaches.^[2]