Dust and Guitars: Zitakula at Vondelpark

Aug 12, 2015 | by Jerry Houtman | Event, Music

About the author

Jerry is the name, online is my game. I'm a digital enthusiast, ranging from old skool gaming and Space Invaders to iPads and social media. The integration of digital elements in everyday life and art have my particular interest, and besides that I'm part time rockaholic.

Whether you’re in the mood for some sweat, heat and excitement, for taking a soothing dream ride along psychedelic soundscapes, or maybe to wallow in bittersweet self-pity over the love you just lost, there’s always the right band at the right time. We’ll be your path-finding captain through the desert of dust and guitars, so fill up your flask and follow me.

You might have seen them play at festivals like Welcome to the Village and Magneet Festival in the summer of 2014, or at some of their gigs in venues like the Melkweg and Paradiso, or more recently at Surfana Festival. It´s safe to say afrofunk band Zitakula is on the rise, and aims to fly as high as the green parakeet with the same name.

Two years ago a few members of the nu-jazz quartet Odd One Out teamed up with some other musicians to form Zitakula. Counting nine men, the band has at least as many musical styles. Funk, jazz, samba, rock, blues, hip hop and soul; it’s all in the mix. Since the start Zitakula has gained a reputation as a hard-working band, developing their colorful repertoire with each new gig. Zitakula represents hypnotic rhythms, tight breaks, and a lot of improvisation. This truly creates a fast and dynamic sound.

After two years of live shows the band went into the studio to record a new EP in just four days. Five songs that together make up Fly & Scatter. Jungle by Night has been around for a while, and now they have a new partner in music crime with Zitakula. Go watch them in the Vondelpark this Saturday at the open air theater for free, and get your groove on!