In 2007 the reputation of Napra spread through Hungary like wildfire as their festival appearances were unanimously acclaimed. The 2008 Fonogram "World Music Album Of The Year" award winners serve a heady mix of acoustic/electric, old/new, solid rhythms/soaring solos, topped with spirited vocals.

MUSIC
The majority of the band members are well-acquainted with and respect folk music. This can be detected both in the music and the lyrics, although the arrangement of the original traditional material and their mode of expression is rather different, both novel and elemental. By now we have learnt that the marriage of the accordion, the drums and the electric guitar with the acoustic instruments such as the cimbalom, the violin and the viola is not at all impossible. If you want to listen to some real musical originality and appreciate virtuoso instrumental technique, then you cannot miss Napra or their recently released debut album entitled Oh, What A World! directed by two world-famous producers from London, Ben Mandelson and Rob Keyloch.

BAND
The world music band Napra was formed in Budapest in the autumn of 2004. The common point of departure for the musicians of Napra is the folk music of the Carpathian Basin, but instead of using it in its authentic form they interpret it in the light of contemporary culture, transposing it into modern sound. In order to do that, of course, it is important that the band members are well-acquainted with the folk music of the region and can move freely within this musical world, and that they are able to adapt its stylistic elements to any musical situation with ease. The members have played in bands well-known on world- and folk music stages and have achieved some fame for their successful performances. Their outstanding instrumental knowledge, virtuosity and dynamic mode of performance endow their music with special power. Combining the electric with the acoustic, the mix of electric instruments (drums, bass guitar, guitar) with folk instruments (violin, viola and cimbalom) results in an original sound characteristic to Napra.

MEMBERS
Kinga KRAMLI, voice, recipient of a special award for outstanding singers, the Erzsebet Torok Prize, and winner of many county and national music competitions.
Miklos BOTH, front man of Napra, also singer-guitarist of the reformed Barbaro, and formerly a member of VHK and Karpat Mobiusz.
Kalman BALOGH, one of the most famous cimbalom (dulcimer) players of modern times who has done a lot for the popularization of his instrument. Has played all over the world, not only with folk musicians but also with symphony orchestras, jazz and contemporary music formations. Started his career as a folk musician. Went on tour for several months as the musical director of the Magneton Gypsy Show directed by Andre Heller.
Mate HEGEDUS, violin, a permanent guest musician of Hungarian Folk Ensemble. The primas (lead violinist) of Hiros band since 2002.
Bass guitarist Csaba WINTER has played together with front-line jazz musicians such as Cumo Olah, Emil Jelinek and Sandor Zsemlye.
Viola and accordion player Zoltan BOBAR Boby is well-known in traditional folk music circles. Has played a numerous occasions together with Muzsikas, Teka, Gazsa, Csik, Berko and Meta bands.
Ferenc PFEILER, drums. Earlier played in bands such as P.U.F., Korom Attila Band and Peter Ogi.

Instrumentation
Kinga KRAMLI - voice
Miklos BOTH - voice, guitar
Kalman BALOGH - cimbalom (dulcimer)
Mate HEGEDUS - violin
Csaba WINTER - bass guitar
Zoltan BOBAR Boby - viola, accordion
Ferenc PFEILER - drums

Discography
Oh, What A World! - CD released by FolkEuropa in 2007

The common point of departure for the musicians of Napra is the folk music of The Carpathian Basin, Which they interpret in the light of contemporary culture, transposing it into modern sound. In order to do that, of course, it is important that the band members are well-acquainted with the folk music of the region and can move freely within this musical world, and that they are able to adapt its stylistic elements to any musical situation with ease.

What endows Napra with its characteristic power is a combination of the musicians' outstanding instrumental knowledge, virtuosity and dynamic performing style, together with their blend of electric and acoustic sounds and instruments.
What might the line-up of a band formed in the countryside of the 21st century Carpathian Basin look like? Electric guitar, bass (guitar), viola, accordion, cimbalom, drums, violin and vocals, just as in the case of Napra? Perhaps.. It might be helpful to try and imagine how a village prímás living at the end of the 19th century would have reacted if he had been introduced to the music of Jimi Hendrix, for example. Has that been of any assistance? In any case, this promises to be an interesting adventure...