Zeeya are a dynamic, experimental guitar-violin duo based in London, playing a repertoire of pre-war (WWII) Rebetiko and Greek folk music. The ‘Laiki kithara’ (folk guitar) and the violin became increasingly
important instruments in the urban folk music of the early 20th century in Greece and minor Asia. With musicians such as Antonis Dalgas, and Spyros Peristeris, the guitar breaks away from its monotonous rhythmic role and explores a plethora of melodic and rhythmic approaches. The violin acts as a second voice guiding and supporting vocals through lyrics that are very expressive, often long stories about love and despair, rejection and death. Departing from
Smyrna (Izmir) in early 1900s, where numerous cultures were once intertwined, we will bring Zeeya’s interpretation of this musical heritage to London 2026.

As Zeeya, Vasileios Voulgaropoulos and Ismini Mouzakiti bring a progressive twist to the songs, experimenting with various techniques involving rhythms, harmonies and flavours from different musical genres. As a project, this is a space to explore this repertoire and these two instruments from a variety of perspectives – drawing inspiration from contemporary bands like Roviolides, Kadinelia, Monsieur Doumani and others.