OFFEST, Skopje, Macedonia 2024

06-06-2024

OFFest was established in 2002 as annual event with a main idea to present a variety of music from all continents, focusing on different categories, from traditional, ethno, folk, roots, to urban, contemporary and experimental music styles. Over the years, numerous renowned artists from around the globe have graced the OFFest stage. OFFest is organized by the non-governmental, non-profit cultural organization "Skopje Jazz Festival". OFFest is proud to participate in the Sounds of Europe project, a network of festivals sharing the vision that the world is a patchwork of a multitude of local traditions and music, each different in expression and content yet equal in value. As part of our 'Sounds of Europe' activities in 2024, OFFest has organized concerts by three exceptional bands from countries participating in the project: Boi Akih (Netherlands), Vołosi (Poland), and Naked (Serbia).

The artists from the Sounds of Europe project invited on the festival

1) Boi Akih (Netherlands)

For over 25 years, singer and lyricist Monica Akihary and guitarist-composer Niels Brouwer have formed the heart and soul of Boi Akih. Boundless curiosity has driven them to ever new experiments and discoveries. As a result, they are now at home in musical traditions from all corners of the world - from modern jazz to classical Indian music and from Melanesian, African and European folk to improvised music.

2) Vołosi (Poland)

Vołosi is a phenomenon on the world music scene. The band was founded in 2010 when violinist Krzysztof Lasoń and cellist Stanisław Lasoń met three exceptionally talented, traditional musicians deep in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. Over the years they have created a genuine style that defies definition: dynamic, full of passion and sophisticated at the same time. By exceeding the limits of string instruments, they went far beyond that, achieving something unique, growing out of the Carpathian roots, yet modern, powerful and emotional. Their music is influenced by rock, jazz, world, ambient and film music, resulting in beautiful, moody and haunting melodies that will leave you captivated.

3) Naked (Serbia)

The name NAKED stays for open heart and uncovered soul. Ideas of freedom, hope and love have always inspired Serbian band to create music. Naked - one of the most vital representatives of the Balkan world music scene - were founded in Belgrade in 2006. The band immediately attracted the attention of the local audience and stood out on the Serbian music scene thanks to its multilayered and energetic musical expression, receptive, at the same time intriguing original compositions, and compact, well- coordinated playing.

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