Very seldom in our lifetime do we get to experience a musical talent so pure and innocent, yet mature and spiritually evoking. A musician who can unite cultures by the tapping tones of her sαntouri, who can reduce people of all generations to tears with her angelic voice. A person who can embrace alternative musical performers from an array of genres and cultures to create a truly universal language of sound, this is Areti Ketime.
At the young age of 24 Areti has accomplished what veteran musicians will in a lifetime. Why does it feel that this is merely the beginning of a long and beautiful musical journey of creation, harmony and peace? George Dalaras discovered Areti at the tender age of 12 and invited her to perform in Zygos in Plaka, Athens in 2002. This sets the stage for the Greek audiences to witness a sight and sound that mesmerises the entire country. It is almost confusing to the senses that such a sound can resonate form such a young girl.
Areti’s talent rapidly spreads throughout Greece and neighbouring Turkey. Her impeccable renditions of traditional folk songs and Asia Minor classics threads and unites the emotions of these two feuding cultures. Greek and Turkish musicians are all queuing to share a small part of Areti.
Everyone it seems wants to be touched by her energy. George Dalaras, Eleni Vitali, George Alkaios, Babis Stokas, Dimitri Zervoudakis, Haig Yazdjan, Dilek Kos, Stelios Dionysiou, Dimitris Bassis are amongst the many who have performed with the unique vocal sound and captivating santouri playing of this emerging spirit, who is Areti Ketime.
Radio station Hellenic Journey will be interviewing Areti on the program this Monday 29 April. Tune into the “Hellenic Journey” on 96.5 Inner FM between 10.00 pm and 12.00 midnight or tune in live via the internet at www.innerfm.org.au.