Remembering the Macedonian Roma Queen of Song, Esma Redžepova, on Her 80th Birthday: A Life of Melodies and Advocacy

Today was supposed to be Esma's 80th birthday.

In the heart of Skopje's historic old town, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, a voice was born that would later echo across continents and generations.  Esma Redžepova, born on August 8, 1943, transcended th…