Magda Giannikou
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.
Giannikou has 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. The album was coproduced by Fab Dupont ’94.
Watch the video for Sabiá by Banda Magda
The band has been featured in Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers Series, entered the top 10 in Billboard’s 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 tours regularly and is in pre-production on their next album.