Roman Korzhov
Year of birth: –
City of birth: –
Origin: Servitka Roma
Education: Higher education (choreography, popular vocal performance), graduated from GITIS (Moscow).
Main areas of activity: stage art (vocals, dance, choreography), modernization of Roma popular music, music project production, continuation of the family artistic dynasty.
Key contribution: artistic director of the “Gypsy Stars” ensemble, heir to the Korzhov artistic dynasty (founded in 1937); an artist who combines authentic Roma classics with modern genres; worked at the Romen Theatre and in Alla Pugacheva’s ballet; author of two solo albums under the pseudonym “Korol Dance” (King Dance).
Impact: represents a new generation of Roma artists who are bringing Roma art to the modern popular stage; through his work, he breaks stereotypes by demonstrating high professionalism; ensures the continuity of one of the oldest Roma artistic dynasties in Ukraine.
“Freedom is more precious, after all… I do what I love. My main calling is to write songs. To sing. To dance.”
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Biographical Information
Roman Korzhov is an artist, singer, choreographer, artistic director of the “Gypsy Stars” ensemble, and heir to the legendary Korzhov artistic dynasty. He is a bright representative of the new generation of Roma artists who modernize traditional art and integrate it into the contemporary cultural space.
Early Years and Upbringing
Roman was born into the family of prominent artists Valentyna and Yuriy Korzhov. His childhood was spent backstage and on tour, where, in his words, he “slept in a suitcase.” Because his parents were on creative tours for nine months out of the year, his grandmother was primarily responsible for his upbringing. From a young age, he showed artistic talent: along with other artists’ children, including Petro Chornyi, he would stage impromptu concerts in hotels.
His first passions were modern popular music, breakdancing, and the work of Michael Jackson, which conflicted with his father’s desire to see him as the continuer of the traditional Roma ensemble. This internal choice between modernity and classics became defining for his creative path.
Becoming an Artist
After serving in the song and dance ensemble of the internal troops, Roman went to Moscow, where he obtained higher education in choreography and popular vocal performance. His career developed rapidly in the sphere of modern show business: he worked in Alla Pugacheva’s ballet and at the famous Romen Theatre, and toured with pop stars. During this period, he launched a solo project under the pseudonym “Korol Dance,” recording two music albums and several music videos.
However, according to him, he felt disillusioned with the strict rules of show business and a strong longing for home. It was in Moscow that he truly appreciated Ukraine as his homeland with different, more soulful people. This experience, as well as the realization of unfair treatment of Roma due to their nationality (he was denied a major contract after his origin was discovered), prompted him to return to Kyiv.
Activities and Contributions
Upon returning to Ukraine, Roman joined the family ensemble and later created his own collective, “Gypsy Stars.” Today, he is the official continuer of the Korzhov dynasty’s legacy. In his work, he masterfully combines the classic Roma repertoire, which is his parents’ heritage, with modern arrangements and show elements.
Roman Korzhov sees his mission in breaking stereotypes through art and showing the true, multifaceted Roma culture. He actively performs at private and public events, believing that every performance is an opportunity to build a bridge between the Roma community and Ukrainian society.
Korzhov family photo archive
