The Living Chiofta – Haji Mike

What began as an everyday Cypriot word became a daily podcast, during lockdowns, has now morphed into a book. A ‘Chiofta’ in Cypriot vernacular means many things to different people. Rooted in truth, based on the oral tradition, stories told and retold with perhaps a hint of exaggeration and satire, a ‘chiofta’ is a uniquely Cypriot word and tradition. The stories that come out of songs, through them and us, are explored in an exciting new book by academic, writer, singer, and radio DJ Mike Hajimichael aka Haji Mike. He should know; he’s been talking about songs and writing them for over forty years. Thirty chapters, thirty songs, and many memories brought together by Mike in his own eclectic style. Many of the songs are well known; some he discovered along life’s journey, and a handful he wrote himself. The book has a loose chronological order, starting with ‘Come Up and See Me (Make Me Smile) by the late Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel and ending with ‘Wise Men’ a new song by the author on the ways of the world and moving around it. There are a couple of obscure gems in between, like ‘Waikiki Welcome’ by The Waikikis and a charming release called ‘Tzatziki’ by the late Teddy Kalanda Harrison from Kenya. The theme of the song, one of the most everyday Greek food side dishes, is like music itself, crucial. ‘The Living Chiofta – some stories that come out of songs’ is available at local bookshops and online from Marathovounos Press from 30th April. Mike Hajimichael launches the book on the same day at The Discovery Hall, University of Nicosia at 7pm. It’s going to be a live show, with surprise guests, so expect the unexpected.