DIKANDA WITH LOVE FROM POLAND

Founded in Szczecin, Poland, in 1997, the seven-piece band, Dikanda, has long stood out in a music scene dominated by standard-issue pop. Vocalist Anna Witczak and guitarist Piotr Rejdak teamed up as students to finance a hitchhiking venture to Western Europe by busking. Before they knew it, one jam session and lucky encounter led to another, and Dikanda was born. They became not just a band, but a tight-knit family, and their bond with one another is evident when one sits in a room with them. People of Bangladesh will have their first taste of Dikanda's lively intensity, when the group performs at the Dhaka International Folk Fest 2018, which opens today. The band talks about their musical journey, their expectations from the festival and more.

How would you describe the musical style of Dikanda?

We have termed our style "Dikandish". Of course, our music has its roots in Poland, but over the years, it has become a fusion of classical, jazz, folk and any other kind of music that interests us. Everyone in our band can pitch in their individual takes for a musical piece. Our music is fiery, honest and played straight from the heart.

What compelled you to take part in the Dhaka International Folk Fest?

We have a really long tour this November and we happened to find five free days between our shows in Austria, Germany, Slovakia and Poland. Performing in Bangladesh sounded like an exotic opportunity, as we have never been here before. Also, at the moment, it is really cold in Poland (laughs); so, we are pleased to be invited here.

From all the places that you have toured, which have been your most memorable concerts?

Couple years ago, we played in Morocco and we were uncertain of how people there will react to our music. But, thankfully, the audience was blown away by our energy on stage. Moreover, we had really intimate meetings and jamming sessions with people in the Sahara Desert. That experience was inspiring for us.

Since as a band, you are immensely inspired by different kinds of music, would you be open to collaborating with Bangladeshi musicians?

Absolutely. But, to be frank, we do not have any agenda to look for musicians to collaborate with here. If we come across people we have the right chemistry with, we will be more than happy to make music with them.

Lastly, what can the audience expect from your performance at the Dhaka International Folk Fest today?

You can rest assured that we will not let the audience fall asleep and leave without dancing! We are also hoping that our music will touch people's hearts and perhaps even make them cry.