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Connect R

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The World’s Gerry Hadden reports on a Romanian rapper named Connect R. He’s a member of the Roma, or gypsy, minority group. And he’s started his own Roma pride campaign.Download MP3

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MARCO WERMAN: The president of the European Commission issued a warning today about respecting the rights of minorities. Jose Manuel Barroso was speaking to lawmakers in the European Parliament. But his warning seemed aimed at politicians outside the building, like French president Nicolas Sarkozy. His government has been cracking down on members of the Roma, or Gypsy, minority. France has expelled thousands of Roma people this year. Many were deported to their native Romania, where the Roma say they’re treated even worse. This may be a depressing time for Europe’s 12 million Roma. But there’s at least one singer trying to boost their spirits. He’s a Romanian rapper named Connect R. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

GERRY HADDEN:  Europe’s Roma are under pressure. Not just in France but in several other countries as well. In most cases authorities are concerned about what they say is the Roma’s involvement in petty crime. In that context, Connect R is trying to show his people in a different light. Connect R loves Gypsies and he is a Gypsy. But unlike his brethren in other parts of Europe, lying low as governments grow less tolerant, Connect R has started a one-man pride campaign. When Connect R won Romania’s best song contest this year, he accepted his award, then took off his coat to reveal a white t-shirt with big black letters. I’m Gypsy, it read. Romanian crowds don’t normally give Gypsies standing ovations. Then again, Gypsies aren’t normally rapping on the main stage. After the ceremony, Connect R told Al Jazeera Television that he’s trying to change the public’s perception of who Gypsies are.

SPEAKING ROMANIAN

CONNECT R:  What I was trying to say at the ceremony was that, firstly, I’m not ashamed of who I am. Secondly, the word Gypsy should not be used to label people. And thirdly, I want to send a message to young Gypsies that they can make it. If I can succeed, then you can too.

HADDEN: Rap of course is a great way to reach young people. But Romanian rap has yet to take off. There are few groups. Connect R has gone solo from one of them. And so far he’s achieved something extraordinary, bridging his country’s cultural divide. As Connect R tries to lift young Roma’s spirits, his audience could grow to include the thousands deported back here from France. When they land in Bucharest there’s usually no one to receive them. Many don’t have houses to return to. Mainstream society shuns them. Connect R’s message of hope, and his success, is bound to resonate. For The World, I’m Gerry Hadden.

WERMAN: That’s our program today. From the Nan and Bill Harris Studios at WGBH, I’m Marco Werman. Thank you for listening.

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