AFION: ACOUSTIC FOLK FROM CROATIA & MACEDONIA
INTRODUCING AFION
Stories in Sound
Afion (Macedonian: opium, poppy) is a Croatian-Macedonian band inspired by traditional music from Croatia, Bosnia and Macedonia which they play in their own and original interpretations and compositions expressing the widest range of human experiences, from sadness and longing to happiness and exhilaration. At more than five hundred concerts in Croatia and around Europe, playing in the clubs as well as on big festival stages (Bingsjö, Shetland Islands Folk Festival, INmusic Festival, Adriatico Mediterraneo, Ohrid Balkan Square festival, Ex-Yu Rocks...) they gained a cult status and large number of followers. Their live performances are probably best described in few words as the "acoustic sound with the energy of the rock & roll band" (J. Bousfield, Rough Guide to Croatia) which makes the audience dance, laugh and cry. Afion's both studio albums (Afion, 2006 and Čudni svati, 2008) are nominated for the Croatian Grammy.
In April 2020 Afion new album “Treći bilbil” (The third naightingale) will be released and promoted first on a Skandinavian tour, following the Balkans and other parts of Europe.
Afion are:
Lidija Dokuzović - vocals
Aleksandar Jovevski – kaval (macedonian shepard’s flute), tambura, gajde
Josip Mazic – double bass
Danijel Maoduš - guitars
Nenad Kovacic – percussions
PRESS
Afion is a Croatian folk band taking a refreshing, uncluttered line with traditional songs
from the various regional traditions of Croatia and also from former Yugoslav country,
Macedónia.
Lidija Dokuzovic, is a fine singer with an aura of still
melodiousness and grace, emerging here as a leading Croatian tradition-rooted artist.
She sings in her own natural voice, using some traditional techniques but not copying
what, in the regions where some of these songs are from, might be a gharder-edged
Balkan mountain voice; she expresses the songs and their lyrics truly and without
affectation.
Andrew Cronshaw fRoots magazin
Lidija Dokuzovic “the nightingale of the Balkans”
“forget the swaying and gentle soprano of Lidija Dokuzovic is something that will resound for a long time” (Lupiga.com)
Lidija Dokuzovic is a very charismatic woman. It is a pleasure to listen to her skillful singing, whether she sings with her strong and full voice or when she communicates emotions and peace to her listeners. Everyone in the band contributes equally to their sound and energy.
(Sound report)
One of the most acclaimed Croatian world music bands Afion has long won over both local and European audiences with their covers of traditional songs from our region.
Dubravko Jagatic (Nacional.hr)
"acoustic sound with the energy of a rock’n’roll band (J. Bousfield, Rough Guide to Croatia),
MUSIC CD´S
AFION - AFION
2006
AFION - CUDNI SVATI
2008
AFION - TRECI BILBIL
2020
