March 9, 2015

by Curtis Killian

Founded by Greek-born singer, film scorer and composer Magda Giannikou '08, Banda Magda deftly melds styles from samba to Greek folk to Columbian cumbia. Having studied film scoring at Berklee, Giannikou has caught the attention of everyone from Kronos Quartet to Louis C.K., even singing a duet with the comedian for his hit TV show.

In 2014 Giannikou released the album Yerakina with Banda Magda, joined by fellow Berklee alumni Jordan Perlson ’04, Ignacio Hernandez ’07, Marcelo Woloski ’07, Mika Mimura ’07, Keita Ogawa ’07, and Scott Flynn ’07, and coproduced by Fab Dupont ’94. The band has been featured in Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers Series, entered the Top 10 Billboard World Music Charts, and was named one of NPR's 10 favorite World Music Albums in 2013. Having played concerts and festivals worldwide, including alongside Snarky Puppy, the band is currently on tour and in pre-production of their third album to be released in January 2016.

Listen to Sabiá from their latest effort Yerakina via Sounds of Berklee, and catch Banda Magda live Sunday, March 15, 2015 as part of the Celebrity Series of Boston at Berklee.