Niko Ne Zna are New Zealand’s very own Balkan Gypsy brass extravaganza. With a history that goes back 7 years, this 8 piece band has evolved into a true Gypsy juggernaut stunning audiences everywhere they go with their thrillingly energetic and dynamic performances. Now, finally their long anticipated debut album Renegade Brass Bandits is here!
After a few lineup changes over the years and the introduction of additional brass the current lineup is undoubtedly the best yet and has been driving audiences wild for the past 2 years. There’s even some more authentic Eastern-European blood in the band with percussionist Vlatko Materic joining bandleader Frankie Curac. After years of being instrumental, the addition of vocals when Nikkie Rich joined the band a couple of years ago took it to a whole new level and she sings in Serbo-Croatian, Roma Gypsy and Greek. The album consists of seven originals and three traditional songs that will take you across the Balkans with a kiwi flavor.
With the current lineup comprising 2 trumpets, saxophone, vocals, accordion,
bass and tenor trombones, sousaphone, percussion, Balkan bass drum and snare
drum, Niko Ne Zna are a truly authentic ensemble. They can roam while playing,
and enchant the audience into dancing, singing, clapping and stomping all night
long. The band consists of some of Wellington’s finest instrumentalists who
come from a wide array of musical backgrounds that unite together to produce a
cocktail that will make your ears rise to attention and your feet move in a
frenzy. Their music is high energy with dark undertones and sexy gypsy style.
Niko Ne Zna are a world class act with exotic tunes, fantastic grooves and
exciting solos.
The band have played extensively around New Zealand having undertaken three national tours and performed for the Wellington City Council, The Wellington Fringe Festival, International Jazz Festival, Cuba Street Carnival, the Festival of Lights in New Plymouth, Prana Festival and Taranaki Arts Festival and have been a staple of the Wellington music scene with regular performances all over the city.