Balkan band

RAKA

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About RAKA

High energy dance music from the Balkans! The unmistakable groove of Raka brings everyone to their feet! We will keep you dancing all night
Balkan band
London
Public liability insurance of £10 million

Raka are an 8 piece ensemble who play traditional music from the Balkans. We take our name after a traditional Bulgarian dance full of leg kicks, clicking heels and hands held high, the unmistakable groove of Raka brings everyone to their feet. Our music has a strong focus in the folk traditions of Bulgaria and Macedonia, as well as the Romani music that span far and wide across the Balkans. Our meandering musical tributaries have all led us to one communal river: the love and commitment to understanding and interacting with the music of the Balkans. We do not play fusion music, and neither do we imitate. We bring to life a genuinely authentic repertoire wherever we are, from sweaty back rooms of North London clubs to concert halls on the banks of the Thames. We took the dance for our name as that’s what we love to do best: to move. A heart rending lament can move the body as much as a pounding Bulgarian Pravo, and in Raka we have made space for both, and everything in between. "Absolutely magnificent, no one can sit still listening to Raka!" DJ Ritu, A World in London - Resonance FM "Raka burst with traditional Balkan flair, the group earn their title as the essential act of the weekend." Eva Hibbs, Nightshift Magazine, Tandem Festival. Royal Festival Hall 2017 Meltdown Festival 2018 Tandem Festival 2018

Encore badges
2nd Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 2 years
Musicianship
Genres:
Balkan, Folk, Gypsy jazz, World music, Greek music, Jewish music, Klezmer
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Event types:
Private event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Corporate event, Concert, Birthday party, New Year's Eve
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RAKA's Song list

We play traditional folk music from the Balkans.
Trad Klezmer for weddings and much more!
Info:
Zensko raka
Pravo horo
Cocek
Graovsko horo
Rachenitsa
Bulgarian folk
Macedonian folk
Romanian folk
Zensko Raka
Mori she Sabina
zaidi zaidi
nazlun todoro
strechko cocek
djato mitjavata
plovdiv pravo
opa supa
bemont
Romanian Hora
leno
o postari avela
Boogich Bulgar
Freyleks
odessa Bulgar
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Amazing energy on stage.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

We have performed all over the country. From formal performances at the South Bank Centre to sweaty north London clubs and everything in between.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Royal Festival Hall 2017 Meltdown Festival 2018

Do you have different line-up options?

Full Band: Accordion, Sax, Clarinet, Vocals, Violin, Darbuka, Tapan, Tuba. 6 Piece: Accordion, Vocals, Darbuka, Tuba, Violin, Clarinet 5 piece: Accordion, Vocals, Darbuka, Tuba, Violin Quartet: Accordion, Vocals, Darbuka, Violin.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. Please get in contact directly and we will see what we can do.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service via our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional £200

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time.

Can you roam around while you perform?

We can perform acoustically and roam if that is what you want.

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA & lighting) included in your quote?

You can book our PA system in the custom prices.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Given at least 2 months notice we can learn up to 3 songs pre event. There is no charge for this!

RAKA's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Up to 1 hour£1000
Up to 2 hours£3500
Up to 3 hours£4800

Add-ons

Higher A PA
+£500
RAKA
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5
2 verified reviews

RAKA's Reviews

From customers:

AD
Andy D
2 years ago, for a Concert in 599A Green Lanes
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5 out of 5

I love Raka’s energy! They are by far my favourite band to see in London! What an amazing night! Andy

HR
Hugh R
2 years ago, for a Bar / Club / Venue event in 316 High Rd
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5 out of 5

Amazing! You really cant sit still listening to RAKA. Such tight playing and brilliant energy! Best balkan band I have seen!

Read all 4 reviews