Georgia Kombou embodies the vibrant spirit of Limassolian culture, showcasing her talent as Cyprus’ first female bouzoukist during this year’s carnival celebrations. As a pioneering musician, Kombou has carved out a significant space for herself in the traditionally male-dominated bouzouki scene, and her presence at this week’s festivities highlights her remarkable journey.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Limassolian: A Trailblazer in Music
With over 45 years of experience, Kombou has not only made a name for herself but also earned accolades such as a Global Music Award in California for her exceptional compositions. Her journey has not been without its challenges, having to navigate a landscape where few women played the bouzouki professionally.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Early Influences
Kombou’s love for music ignited during her childhood, thanks to her father. “I remember pretending to play the mandolin with a needle and a matchstick, telling my father I wanted to learn. The next day, he bought me a bouzouki,” she recalls. Despite her initial doubts about her ability to succeed in a male-dominated field, her father’s unwavering support encouraged her to pursue her passion.
Breaking Barriers
As she grew older, Kombou took her talents to Greece, where she honed her skills in advanced music theory and collaborated with renowned musicians, including the esteemed composer Thanasis Polikandriotis. Her performances in Athens allowed her to showcase a female perspective in bouzouki music, an aspect that had been largely overlooked.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
International Recognition
Kombou’s music has reached audiences far beyond Cyprus. One of her songs featured in the soundtrack of the film A Trip to Greece, and her videoclip for Zorba’s Dance received approval from the legendary Mikis Theodorakis himself. “After seeing it, he asked me to record his piece I Geitonia ton Angelon too!” Kombou shares, reflecting on the high points of her career.
Personal Sacrifices
Despite her successes, Kombou faced hurdles that tested her resolve. At one point, she received an invitation to tour with Cirque du Soleil, but she ultimately turned it down to focus on her young family. “It was a tough decision, but I don’t regret it. I’ve lived a full life and feel proud of who I am and where I come from,” she notes.
Challenging Stereotypes
Kombou is no stranger to the challenges of breaking stereotypes in the music industry. She has encountered bullying and resistance for being a woman in a space traditionally dominated by men. Yet, her determination has kept her from giving up on her dreams. “There’s a long history of women playing string instruments, and I want to revive that legacy,” she asserts.
Empowering the Next Generation
In her quest to promote female musicianship, Kombou founded the all-female Echo of Mandolins group, aiming to establish a municipal mandolin orchestra in Limassol. She believes in nurturing the next generation of musicians and is passionate about sharing the joy of music with young people.
Carnival Traditions
Reflecting on her love for Limassol’s carnival, Kombou says, “For a whole week, Limassol is in a state of beautiful madness. It is a carefree, happy time that is an important tradition for us.” She fondly remembers her own childhood serenades and now leads her mandolinata group at the carnival, fostering a sense of community through music.
Upcoming Performances
Kombou will perform at the Limassol Carnival at the Panos Solomonides Cultural Centre on Thursday at 7pm, showcasing her unique contributions to carnival music. She also has upcoming engagements at The House of Cyprus in Athens, where she will perform alongside baritone Marios Andreou and soprano Anastasia Sorra, as part of a tribute show blending humour, music, and social commentary.
The Essence of Music
For Kombou, music is more than just a career; it’s a vital part of her existence. “When I perform, I enter another dimension. Music is my oxygen,” she concludes, embodying the dedication and passion that have defined her journey as a Limassolian artist.
