Niko Ne Zna are New Zealand’s very own Balkan Gypsy brass extravaganza. Formed in Wellington five years ago, the band has been stunning audiences ever since with their thrillingly exuberant, dynamic performances. On April 10th, they will play their first ever gig in Auckland with support from The Jews Brothers and DJ Monsieur Escargot (Mamaku Project).
In late January, Niko Ne Zna unleashed their debut self titled ep which consists of delicious arrangements of five traditional and original Gypsy tunes. To celebrate the release, they took their unique and special sound around Aotearoa on a highly successful New Zealand tour.
Comprising trumpet, saxophone, accordion, trombone, sousaphone, drums and percussion, 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 in Wellington with performances at The Wellington Fringe Festival, International Jazz Festival, Cuba Street Carnival, Wellington Summer City Festival to name a few and have been a staple of the Wellington music scene with regular performances all over city.
“It’s easy to forget where you are when you listen to these hypnotic melodies. It’s like being dropped amongst the hot and spicy lands of a country far away - to a place where you can free yourself with these infectious and wild beats that take their influence from the gypsy-soaked Balkan States.” wellingtonlivemusic.com
EP out now on Monkey Records with distribution by Rhythm Method.
