JAZZ REPORT FROM THE HOOD

Guys from the band

OMASTA

Omasta treads new paths without abandoning the old. Rooted in jazz but steeped in the rhythms of hip-hop and street culture, their sound is a bold fusion of tradition and innovation. The band’s name, Omasta, comes from a regional Krakow dialect word meaning “fat added to food for flavor.” It’s an apt metaphor: their music is rich and saturated, driven by thick drums and deep, heavy bass, layered beneath the melodic interplay of piano, trumpet, saxophone, and flute.

Formed in Krakow over several years, Omasta officially launched with a tribute to J Dilla in February 2024 at the city’s iconic Paul’s Boutique. Since then, they have been making waves across Poland and Europe, performing at major venues and festivals including the London Jazz Festival, OFF Festival, Gent Jazz Festival, The Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scott’s in London, AB in Brussels, and more.

They collaborate with genre-shaping artists such as Madlib, Aquiles Navarro (Irreversible Entanglements), Marysia Osu, Tenderlonious, and Polish free jazz legend Leszek Żądło. Their live tributes to hip-hop visionaries have further cemented their reputation, merging jazz improvisation with the spirit and legacy of beat culture.

In October 2025, Omasta released their debut album via Astigmatic Records. The record received strong critical recognition and was featured in year-end best-of lists by influential tastemakers such as Somewhere Soul and journalist Tina Edwards, further establishing the band’s international profile

LINEUP:

Paweł Kowalik - Trumpet
‍Antoni Blumhoff - Flute, soprano saxophone
‍Bruno Sikorski - Piano
‍Wojciech Roman - Bass guitar
‍Nikodem Wikieł - Drums

“I was lucky enough to see them live. They were such tight band!”
TINA EDWARDS - BBC RADIO
“ I’ve been really looking forward to sharing this one with you. Omasta is groove-heavy, serving hip hop–jazz fusion from Poland.”
SOMEWHERE SOUL
“As an album that both openly celebrates its influences while at the same time establishes its own identity, Omasta unveil a stunning, wonderfully rich debut bursting with personality and charismatic performances.”
UK VIBE