Rein Mercha

Born in The Hague in 1963, Dutch vocalist Reinard Dewus performs under the name Rein Mercha and traces his lineage to the Sinti Romani community, whose traditions inform the gypsy-folk approach that characterizes his recordings. His debut project, the 2010 album Vuur, presented material rendered in the Sinti language. Television viewers first encountered him as the subject of the 2004 documentary I Sunni, which translates as The Dream, and again when he joined the 2012 Dutch series Gypsy Girls. Mercha reached a broader audience that same year as a contestant on the talent competition Blood, Sweat & Tears, ultimately placing second while attracting a wide following. Building on that exposure, he issued Vol Passie & Emotie, which reached the summit of the Dutch album charts.