The Gypsy Queens

With a soap star and a former Norwegian international footballer in the ranks, songs in a multitude of different languages, bizarre covers of classic hits and a colourful, high-energy live act, The Gypsy Queens are an unconventional act who've not only built a powerful cult following, but acquired an enviable array of celebrity fans, including Robert De Niro, Rod Stewart, Elton John, David Beckham and Prince Harry. They are the brainchild of Italian actor Didier Casnati, who appeared in Quicksand (2001), Funky Monkey (2004) and Riviera (2005) and starred in a Monte Carlo-based soap opera. He became a pop star in Peru with the hit single Donna, while his recording of Mal Paso with Eva Allyon was another major success when it featured in the James Bond movie Quantum Of Solace; and his solo album Mi Mundo covered a broad range of musical genres sung in four different languages, prompting serious stardom in Peru. Casnati initially formed The Gypsy Queens as buskers and a good-time party band with no plans of turning them into a professional, commercial operation. However, they were playing a gig in Nice when Nick Raphael, soon to be president of London Records, saw them and was so bowled over by their livewire stage show he signed them up and installed them in an LA studio with top-rated producer Larry Klein to make their debut album. That self-titled multi-language debut was released at the end of 2012, including covers of Marrakesh Express, Volare and Country Roads and guest appearances from Madeleine Peyroux, Graham Nash and Keys of Booker T. Enthusiastically received, it quickly established them as hot property.