Islam Pilpani

Islam Pilpani (1934-2017, official name Eptime Pilpani) was a Georgian folk singer, song teacher and choir-leader from Lenjeri in Svaneti. As a young man, he was a member of Matsi Shukvani's ensemble (Вокальный ансамбль п/у М. Шуквани). In 1967, he was entrusted with the leadership of the regional folk ensemble (Вокальный Ансамбль Местийского Дома Культуры), later given the name of Riho (რიჰო), which he led until his death. For many years he was the foremost authority on Svan folk songs. Brother of Natela Pilpani (ნათელა ფილფანი) and father of Vakhtang Pilpani.