NEXT PERFORMANCE:

 
CONTACT:
Grada: 082 643 8213
Ma'or: 072 2115 563
  
CREATIVE DIRECTOR:
Grada Djeri
MEMBERS:
Kyla-Rose Smith, violin
Sigrun Paschke, accordion
Simon Annette, drums
Brydon Bolton, bass
Russ Nerwich, saxophone
Zolani Mahola, vocals
Sylvestre Kabassidi, vocals
Vela Mrdjen, cello
Simo Jovovic, bass
BIOGRAPHY:
The Kolo Novo Movie Band are a Cape Town based group known for their collaborations with a diverse range of musicians and performers. The band's performances range from a small intimate trio to an explosive live stage act of twelve musicians. The music has its roots in Eastern Europe but the aim of its founder member and musical director, Grada Djeri, is to incorporate many diverse styles into this gypsy music.
The Balkan style of music is one of eclecticism - a fusion of cultures and musical styles ranging from the Middle Eastern to the Mediterranean and Balkan. It is a music of great energy and passion that mirrors an energy that is found on this continent and especially in southern Africa as a meeting point of many different African and eastern cultures. The band's aim is to be an example of this style within a modern African context. Their many artistic collaborators range from Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground), Siya Makuzeni (Vivid Africa, The Prisoners of Strange), Rus Nerwich (a Cape-Town based jazz saxophonist) and Neo Muyanga (Blk Sonshine) to electro musicians and DJ's Markus Wormstorm and Humanizer of Lark. Kolo Novo's live performance is one of unbridled energy. After sharing the stage with Salif Keita and drawing crowds of over 2000 people to the infamous Balkanology parties in Cape Town, Kolo Kovo Movie Band has become one of the most sort after acts in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
MORE INFO:
~ visit Kolo Novo on Myspace: www.myspace.com/kolonovomovieband
~ view Kolo Novo on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yje6f_2XIGM
 
 
 
 
REVIEWS:
 
 
Balkanology
© 2007 Runway Music (6009143256439)  
 
Buy online from CD Baby.  
 
 
 
Listen to track 14: Kolo Novo Movie Band: "Bolujemja"  
 
 
 
The Balkanology parties, with Dj Toby2shoes, started in Cape Town as small, occasional electro-Balkan-gypsy dances. In the two years since their inception, they have gathered a following of thousands (the last party in April saw two and a half thousand tickets sold). Capetonians love a celebration and these parties fit in perfectly with their love of eccentricity - styled as Eastern European gypsy camps with caravans, bales of hay, tents with tarot and palm-readers, goats, chickens and pigs, Balkanology is an opportunity to dress up and go wild.
The music, however, is what really drives the revelry. Traditional Balkan gypsy folk mixed with electronic beats is the simplest description, and the result is irresistible, compulsive celebration music. "A wild, heaving mass" is how the BBC's Garth Cartwright described German audiences' reaction when DJ Shantel began adding Balkan Brass breaks to his techno set back in the late 90's. Since then, the electro-Balkan scene has exploded. DJ Toby2shoes, a pioneer of alternative music in general in South Africa, has become the ambassador for Balkan-gypsy-folk.
His choice of tracks for the Balkanology album consolidates his reputation as a highly skilled, innovative DJ in general, and for this music in particular. The 14-track compilation includes many of the most popular names in the genre - DJ Click, Balkan Beat Box, !Deladap, Kocani Orkestar - and three tracks mixed by DJ Shantel, who won a BBC World Music Award for clubbing music in 2006.
The final track on the album, "Bolujemja" gives an African twist to Balkan beats. It was recorded in Cape Town for the Balkanology album by a collaboration of well-known local musicians. Called "The Kolo Novo Movie Band", they include Kyla-Rose, Grada Djeri, Sylvestre Kabbassidi, Brydon Bolton, Sigrun and Simon Annet.
One movement of music from the first to the last track, Balkanology is a dance delight that easily does justice to this wildly popular genre. As celebration music handed down through generations, it is a modern reflection of timeless tradition. And as a completely unique, fresh genre, it's possibly the most irresistible dance music you've ever heard.