Kaliopi comes back to the place where she has been loved for decades. It is very well known what to expect at her concerts. For sure, exceptional music, fearlessness, honesty and a sea of emotions
She never made compromises. Kaliopi entered the music with a lot of love and it could not remain unrecognized. Probably, in that kind of human and creative sincerity, the secret of her duration is hidden.
How do you feel about the upcoming tour in Serbia?
I am truly happy about the upcoming encounter with the Serbian audience! I am looking forward to singing together in cities, which I call “stations like meringues “! I carry great memories from all these cities where I have already performed. I am also looking forward to the cities where we are performing for the first time, such as Krusevac, Valjevo, Kraljevo, Lazarevac, Pancevo … We are all extremely excited!
We are still waiting for a few cities and dates, so soon they will be on our map, where my locomotive is traveling!
You are present on the music scene for a long time. You are known as a performer who is respected for its talent and emotionality. Based on such a great experience how would you define the key to lasting in music?
I have always remained who I am and only through songs I have allowed to be changed, exposed and strengthened. Songs and emotions are what opened my door and kept my place when I was not physically present here. I last because of the stories I’ve been carrying in my suitcase of love for years and probably because I’ve never given up on myself.
In what way are new and young generations discovering you? How does your encounter with this youngest part of the audience look like?
Some of them discover me through their parents, and some, discover me through songs, performances, emotion, courage, and my “craziness.” In any case, these encounters are very interesting, and I always learn something new about myself through their experience of my world and appearance.
Even nowadays, you are accepted with enthusiasm in all parts of the former Yugoslavia. Is music stronger than any other artificially placed barrier?
Barriers don’t exist for me. Neither musically nor humanly. I respect and love good people, which thank God they are everywhere! People should always look around with their hearts. It’s the only way to break the barriers. And music is the strongest in that point of view because it contains the strongest and most subtle emotion.
To what extent has the music festivals changed since you won major awards and honors?
Nowadays, they almost don’t exist anymore. Today, festivals have been replaced by talent show programs, therefore it is very uncertain who will have the chance to build a career and who will win. It is probably a reflection of the time we live in. But every period always carries its own rules of the game. Which does not imply that they all play the same game.
To what extent you been opened to new music trends during your career? Did you compromise, or did you always listen to yourself?
I have always been endlessly open to all music trends because there is no width without cognition. However, I certainly never made compromises. Neither did I, nor my producer, Romeo Grill. We have always been a team and remained a team who always kept to themselves.
Is there a wish you still haven’t achieved when it comes to your career?
It does exist. But I’m not going to tell it out loud, in order not to block its path to fulfillment! I will tell you when it happens.
Young talents often perform the song “Rodjeni” in music competitions, as well as your colleagues. Is there any interpretation of this evergreen track that you particularly loved?
Not only “Rodjeni” they also sing “Crno i belo,” “Melem,” “Pozeli,” “Mrvica,” and “Vucica.” Performers sing many of my songs in competitions, which makes me very happy! I admire all the contestants for their courage and always excited about their performance, whether they are more or less successful. I usually always like and comment on their performances when they send it to me.
When you are in Belgrade, which places or parts of the city do you like to visit?
When I come to Belgrade, first I go to New Belgrade, because my group of friends is living there. They are all in Belville or West. However, I love Belgrade in its entirety! With all its discovered and undiscovered sides. We are getting to know each other again and again. Like two old lovers, ready to always renew their love. Yes, that’s how Belgrade and I are.