boom pam at Freienbessingen
At the end of our visit at Freienbessingen Refugee Camp, we had coffee Nazim’s and a friend and neighbor of Osman. Nazim who is in a similar situation, lives in a very small apartment with his whole family for many years and was waiting for permission to work. Nazim, who is from Macedonia, showed us how he watches TV from the Balkans with his satellite TV. After watching some terribly kitsch video clips on Albanian TV, I asked him to show what else he watches. Flipping through the channels I Suddenly saw a face that I recognized on Bosnian TV. Osman who saw my excitement quickly started translating to me from the subtitles. I then realized that I don’t need translation and that I was watching one of my favorite bands from Tel Aviv. I was so proud that my homeboys who play “original music and arrangements of Balkan, Jewish, Greek, and Mediterranean songs, seasoned with dueling guitars and a rock attitude,” where being promoted and honoured on a TV station of the place from which much of their music is influenced.
I shared my excitement and told everyone that they are from my hometown and I know them.
When I got home I sent them a email, Of course they were happy to hear my story and that an interview they gave in Spain to the Bosnian TV was shown. They also let me know that they are now touring around North America and Europe so check out their myspace and see if they are in a place near you. If it is not already clear, I highly recommend them, they are great live.
