Ioulia Kallimani, one of the rising stars of the Greek music scene, is experiencing what may be the most dynamic period of her career, as her first major Australian tour is proving an overwhelming success.
All her shows have sold out, while her latest song, Kontra Paidi, has reached the top of the Official IFPI Greek Chart. The track – composed by Michalis Touratzidis with lyrics by Yiannis Konstantinou – was released by Heaven Music and has already surpassed 2 million views on YouTube.
Kallimani has become one of the hottest names in Greece’s pop-laiko music scene. Kontra Paidi has outperformed well-established artists from both Greece and abroad, marking an unprecedented breakthrough.
The audience response in Australia has been nothing short of remarkable. The tour kicked off in Darwin on 30 May, followed by a packed show in Sydney on 31 May, with fans erupting in applause.
But the most rapturous reception came in Melbourne, specifically at Kinisi at Trak. Both of her appearances there were sold out, confirming her strong following among the Greek community in Australia.
Her final show was scheduled for Sunday evening in Adelaide.
Supporting her throughout the tour is her producer and mentor, Michalis Touratzidis, along with her full band. The concerts have been described as high-energy performances with flawless vocals and a genuine connection to the audience.
Kon Tangalakis, owner of Kinisi at Trak, described Ioulia Kallimani as a “phenomenon”.
“It struck me how many young people knew both her and her songs. She’s not just a success – she’s a phenomenon that connects generations,” he told Neos Kosmos.
Despite the demanding schedule of the tour, Kallimani has made time to enjoy Australian hospitality and landscapes, sharing moments from her outings in Darwin and Sydney on social media.
Kallimani’s tour is expected to become a landmark moment for Greek artists performing abroad, proving that Greek music has a voice, dynamism and… a pulse that transcends borders.
