Boi Akih performs in different setups expanding from duo to a six piece band.

“ In their combination of European, Indian and Indonesian cultures on one side and jazz at the other side, Boi Akih has a unique sound, an inimitable color within the current musical landscape”. Citizenjazz (FR)

Monica Akihary and Niels Brouwer have the tendency to describe their music as folk music, in the sense Thelonious Monk had in mind when he explained Bob Dylan “ we all play folk music”. Boi Akih creates its own vibrating universe. Whereas Monica’s heritage is Moluccan (Indonesia) as Niels is Dutch, the music of Boi Akih is a prism of various roots and rays where colors and sounds come together within a strong compisitions foundation along improvisational passways. They dig into undercurrents and expand the bounds of traditions they meet such that these melt together.

Monica’s partner in life and music is Dutch guitar virtuoso Niels Brouwer, an intriguing composer and fascinating improviser who wrote all the music for the new album. Monica sings in her father’s mother tongue, the language of Haruku Island ( Indonesia). It is a language of soft vowels and melodic syllables that perfectly fit with her dark, warm voice and improvisational approach. Niels and Monica have integrated this language into their very own musical style rooted in Indonesian, South Indian and European classical music along with jazz.

For the trio setting, Monica and Niels teamed up with Indian tabla master Sandip Bhattacharya from Benares, known for his work with Mari Boine (Gambi Zor), Hariprasad Chaurasia and Ravi Shankar (Kora Colours). Bhattacharya was also a disciple of great masters such as Pandit Ravi Shankar). His contribution is not just adding flavour, but blend in splendidly, without failing to spice up the mix of instrumental virtuosity, charming melodies, refined textures and those certain exotic grooves that may remind the listener (among other things) of Indian music.

Boi Akih performs in different setups expanding from duo to a six piece band. Each of these configurations has its own sound due to the interplay of members searching for their own origin during an ongoing adventurous voyage.