Get ready for an unforgettable night of explosive brass, infectious rhythms, and irresistible dancing as Wellington's acclaimed 9-piece Balkan brass band Niko Ne Zna make their long-awaited return to Hawke's Bay, performing at Paisley Stage on Friday 18 September.
Drawing on the rich musical traditions of Serbia, Macedonia, Romania, Greece, and beyond, Niko Ne Zna delivers a thrilling blend of soaring brass, hypnotic melodies, driving percussion, passionate multilingual vocals, and a growing catalogue of original compositions inspired by the musical traditions of the Balkans. Their high-energy performances have earned them a reputation as one of New Zealand's leading world music acts.
Featuring two trumpets, soprano saxophone, tenor and bass trombones, sousaphone, traditional Balkan bass drum (tapan), snare drum, and powerhouse vocalist and percussionist Nikkie Rich, the band creates an exhilarating wall of sound that is impossible to sit still to.
For more than a decade and a half, Niko Ne Zna have captivated audiences across New Zealand and Australia with performances that blur the line between concert and celebration. Their shows combine virtuosic musicianship, choreographed movement, theatrical flair, and infectious audience interaction that quickly turns every venue into a dance floor.
The band has performed at the internationally renowned WOMAD New Zealand festival, and their original music featured in the acclaimed film What We Do in the Shadows.
Whether you're already a fan of Balkan music or discovering it for the first time, this is a night of joy, celebration, and unforgettable live music that will have you dancing from the first note to the last.
“It’s like being dropped into the hot and spicy lands of a faraway country.” — wellingtonlivemusic.com
“Straight to the dancefloor.” — Elsewhere
“Driving rhythms, an intoxicating effect.” — Taranaki Daily News
www.nikonezna.com
Friday 18 September
Paisley Stage, Napier
Doors:7pm
