Megitza

Małgorzata Babiarz, professionally known as Megitza, (born November 27, 1984, in Zakopane) is a Polish singer, double bass player, and composer. She combines Polish and Eastern European folk music, Romani music and gypsy jazz with world music, Latin music, pop, worldbeat, Americana and reggae. In 2001, Megitza emigrated to Chicago, where she appeared in charity concerts and events such as Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity and where she promoted Polish culture. She began her professional career in 2008, when she formed the Megitza Quartet and released her debut album, Boleritza. She has since performed at the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the 13th All Souls Jazz festival at the Chopin Theatre, the Chicago World Music Festival, and the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. The Chicago Sun-Times has noted the quartet's "energetic" performances. According to the Chicago Tribune she and the group are primarily influenced by Eastern European folk, gypsy, Polish, and Greek music. Songs include "Boleritza", "Mamo te Mera", "Cisza", "17_14", and "What I Desire".