Niko Ne Zna

Combining driving rhythms, melodic brass and beautifully alluring vocals, Niko Ne Zna creates unforgettable moments for their audiences. The 9-piece band have firmly cemented themselves as one of New Zealand's premiere and sought after world music groups, complete with wonderfully hypnotic melodies and cerebral rhythms that draw from the Balkan region. 

Based in New Zealand’s creative and cultural capital of Wellington, all nine members are formidable instrumentalists and composers in their own right. Their current lineup consists of two trumpets, soprano saxophone, bass and tenor trombones, sousaphone, balkan bass drum (tapan) and snare drum, an exotic cocktail of instrumentation and musicianship that creates an atmosphere and vibe like no other. To top it off, their vocalist/percussionist Nikkie Rich sings in multiple languages, including Serbo-Croatian, Romani, Macedonian, Greek and English. 

In addition to creating a strong back catalogue of original music, they have become notorious for their immense live shows that display undeniable passion, fuelled by their adoration for bringing people of all walks of life together. Choreographed dance moves and captivating theatrics fuse in harmony with their music, regardless of whether they’re performing impromptu on the streets, doing roaming/acoustic shows or letting loose on the big international stage. 

2021 marks the band's 10 year anniversary. Over the decade, they have regularly toured their home islands of New Zealand, and have performed multiple sold out shows in Australia. They were showstoppers at the WOMAD Festival NZ in 2019, have had three of their original songs featured in the internationally-acclaimed film 'What We Do In The Shadows', and have released two well-received full albums. 

Currently in the studio working on their 3rd album, their next piece of work guarantees more of their signature grooves and uplifting vibes that'll keep fans dancing, singing, clapping and stomping from the kitchen to the car, throughout the night.