Atlas Presents Music: Banda Magda

Led by Greek-born composer, orchestrator, singer & accordionist Magda Giannikou, Banda Magda moves from Samba to French chanson, from Greek folk tunes to Colombian Cumbia and Afro-Peruvian Lando. Drawing on the band’s global background (Greece, Argentina, Japan, Colombia, USA), the group combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, cinematic arranging, sophisticated audience participation, mid-century classics and world “chansons” sung in 6 languages.

Founded in 2010 in New York, Banda Magda has toured in more than 22 countries and 5 continents. This group of close musical friends turn Giannikou’s songs into engaging romps that have won them a spot with Carnegie Hall Musical Explorers Series, Snarky Puppy’s Family Dinner Vol.1 as well as performances at discerning venues and festivals such as WOMAD, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Festival, L’Olympia, Jazz à Vienne, Canarias Jazz, Apollo Hammersmith, The Kennedy Center, Kathmandu Jazz Festival and many more. After their debut album “Amour, t’es là?” and sophomore “Yerakina”, Banda Magda will be touring its 3rd opus, the vibrant, Technicolor “Tigre” worldwide.

Photo by Shervin Lainez