Following a successful season of appearances in Thessaloniki and a recent tour to the US and Canada, Greek laiko icon Nikos Makropoulos is returning Down Under.

Set to perform next month, it is a much awaited comeback for his fans, who last had the chance to see the singer perform six years ago.

“I spoke with his agent and I know he’s definitely looking forward to come to Australia again because last time he was here the response was phenomenal,” promoter Con Tangalakis told Neos Kosmos, referring to the joint performance he organised by Makropoulos and Vasilis Karras in 2012.

“They [the audience] were very enthusiastic and surprised at how clear his voice is. Not many singers have got a perfectly clear and creative voice and sound so similar to the recording in live performances; he is definitely one of them.”

After taking up guitar at the age of 12, Makropoulos kick-started his career performing in the nightclubs of his hometown Thessaloniki. By 1994 he managed to expand his presence across Greece’s bouzoukia scene, and it wasn’t long ago that he started doing regular shows in Athens and partnering with heavyweights of the genre, including the likes of Yiorgos Mazonakis, Angie Samiou and Anna Vissi.

In the years that followed, he saw his fan base grow with many of his songs ranked highly on the music charts, while his latest album Ti Na Kano went platinum in June.

According to Tangalakis, Makropoulos’ commitment to stay true to his musical calling to laika, is what fans love about him most.

“Modern day singers in his field are leaning towards rock or pop music; they’re not really authentic like he is. You could sort of say he’s probably one of the last surviving newer generation laiko singers of that calibre,” he says.

“And he’s had a lot of songs that people relate to.”

For his upcoming concerts, Makropoulos is expected to cover his old and latest hits, as well as a selection of laika classics, giving Australian audiences a true taste of Greek bouzoukia.
For Tangalakis, sustaining the connection of younger generations with Greece’s contemporary music culture is among the things he finds most rewarding in bringing artists from overseas, something he has been involved in for over 30 years now.

“I enjoy Greek music thoroughly; it’s one of my passions,” he says.

“I’ve worked in this, organising shows, for three generations now: my parents’ era, my generation and now with the younger kids […]. If you’d asked me 10 to 15 years ago, I believed that my generation was going to be the last, but seeing the response of the young generation and how strongly supportive they are of Greek entertainment has been a pleasant surprise for me.”

Nikos Makropoulos will perform in Melbourne on Thursday 27 September. For bookings, contact Con Tangalakis on 0438 328 016.

The Sydney show will take place on Saturday 29 September. Tickets can be purchased online via https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/nikos-makropoulos