| Description |
Kalja Riddim Klan (KRK) is a name taken from Bislama – the lingua franca of Vanuatu – which means the tribe of cultural rhythms. This is the essence of KRK. They are true exponents of world music forming a rhythmic base on traditional instruments of the Melanesian archipelago such as the tamtam slit-gong drum, nalaklak ankle-shakers, bamboo and pan-pipe flutes, and other percussion tools. They blend this with Brazilian pandeiro and tamborim and djembe and doumbek then layer their sound with violin, jew’s harp and other flutes from Tunisia, Morocco and Spain. Unique vocal arrangements round off this eclectic yet hauntingly simple and folky sound. The end result is an intoxicating dreamlike experience that leaves listeners skin tingling, eyes wide, and often speechless.
Having been influenced by the collaborations between George Telek and David Bridie, the leader of the band, Mars Melto, formerly of XX Squad, changed musical directions in 2005 when he brought together a group of young men and introduced them to violinist, Monika Stern, a Polish ethnomusicologist. Mars and Monika had been working together on some traditional rhythms and their sessions turned into full-blown jams. After a while they realised that they could actually make some mellifluous music out of the Melanesian rhythms and the violin.
Mars has always been an outstanding singer and songwriter and this new format freed his creativity and took his composing to another level. His arrangements, his compositions, and his innovation are unparalleled in Vanuatu. For three years he worked closely with junior vocalist, Steeve Williams, allowing him every opportunity to develop his own skills. Now, Steeve brings his toasting and raga style vocals to add another dimension to this global phenomenon. Steeve’s energy and stage presence have allowed Mars the opportunity to focus on harnessing the diverse rhythmic elements into a simple and solid rootsy sound.
KRK are the only group actually fusing instruments, sounds, languages and cultures in Vanutau, and consequently they are the most sought after band in the region. Vocalist and lead guitarist, Mars, is also the only ni-Vanuatu to publish a novel, he writes plays, is a story-teller, journalist, and visionary. Under his guidance the band has toured all over Vanuatu. They have toured through New Caledonia several times. They have peformed on the main stage at the legendary Fest’Napuan (Vanuatu’s five-day music festival attracting crowds of 50,000) every year since 2006. They have performed in Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
KRK are committed to producing music that highlights the value of traditional and customary life in Melanesia and the role that traditional values can play in creating a positive future. The critically acclaimed debut KRK CD “Long Taem Bifo” (2007) blends indigenous instruments with modern technology, incorporating a diverse range of languages, and exploring issues like land tenure and alienation, inter-generational conflict, customary practices, and cultural heritage. The album heralds a coming of age for Vanuatu music. It spent months in Radio Australia’s top ten chart.
KRK is:
Mars - lead vocals/rhythm guitar/flutes
Steeve - vocals
Richard - vocals
Monika - violin
James - lead guitar
Darren – bass
Ben - drums
Adriano – percussion/panpipe/backing vocals
Berry - percussion/backing vocals
Yannick - bamboo flute/percussion
Joel - turanambe
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