Le Čhavendar (CZ)

The musical group Le Čhavendar is based on the traditions of top Romani musicians. However, Le Čhavendar tries to enrich this tradition and musical art with a number of modern musical elements. This creates an interesting mixture of Romani folklore enriched with jazz, samba, salsa and funk.

Le Čhavendar has existed as a group for nine years. During this time, the members of the group have matured, both physically and musically. When this musical formation was founded, the youngest member was only 13 years old. Today, Le Čhavendar consists of five musicians: Emil Miko - bandleader and singer, Jan Dužda - is the author of most of the songs, bassist and last but not least vocalist, Marek Miko - with his brilliantly mastered guitar playing he enriches the overall sound of the band with his harmonies, Then there is Robert Štolba - composer, accompanist, arranger and mainly drummer, Hugo Tichý - percussionist, who is fully complemented by the drums. It creates a perfectly coordinated rhythmic foundation on which individual harmonies and vocals are easily and lightly built.

A number of festivals both in our country and abroad testify to the musical qualities of Le Čhavendar. Le Čhavendar have played at the most prestigious ethno festivals such as Respect or Khamoro. Among the foreign festivals, Thames Festiva London is worth mentioning, which is held annually in the center of London and is among the most visited festivals in Great Britain.

Le Čhavendar are also holders of the Zlíntalent 2005 music award for the best original work. With their song Sako vakerel – ľad si čásť they succeeded in the competition of more than five hundred other compositions. This award contributed to the filming of a documentary by Czech Television in 2005.