Colourful Sounds: An Overview of Colours of Ostrava 2024
The Colours of Ostrava 2024 festival, held from July 17 to 20 in the Czech city of Ostrava, was an unforgettable experience for music lovers from around the world. This annual event, known for its diverse lineup and unique industrial setting in the Dolní Vítkovice complex, drew visitors with an eclectic mix of music genres, culture, and art. From the impressive main acts to the intimate performances on smaller stages, Colours of Ostrava 2024 offered a versatile program that celebrated the richness and diversity of world music.
Colours of Ostrava was first organized in 2002 and has since grown into one of the largest and most renowned music festivals in Central Europe. Originally held in the center of Ostrava, the festival moved in 2012 to the impressive industrial heritage site of Dolní Vítkovice, a former steelworks and coal mine. This unique setting gave the festival a special atmosphere, where industrial architecture and culture seamlessly came together. Colours of Ostrava is known for its eclectic lineup, bringing together artists from various music genres and corners of the world. Besides music, the festival also offers a wide range of cultural activities, including theater, film, workshops, and discussions.
Over the years, numerous world-famous artists have performed at the festival, including The Cure, Florence + The Machine, Imagine Dragons, Björk, Robert Plant, Norah Jones, and Jamiroquai. Thanks to these big names, Colours of Ostrava has built a prestigious reputation and continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, who come for both the music and the unique experience of a festival set in an industrial setting. And although Colours of Ostrava 2024 is unfortunately over, what a celebration it was! The industrial backdrop of Dolní Vítkovice provided the perfect setting for a weekend filled with musical diversity and unforgettable moments.
Taiwanese Paiwan singer Sauljaljui from Kapanan captivated the audience with her powerful, soft voice and a musical mix of traditional indigenous music with pop, folk, and world music. This singer, from an ethnic minority, enchanted the audience with her beautiful voice and traditional music in her own language. Her set, including songs like “Musical Rite of Passage” and “Lament of Colored Cloth,” reflected her deep cultural roots and personal stories. The performance highlighted her musical evolution and dedication to both her community and her artistic development. Next year, she will be back to Europe to share her talents with the Dutch audience at Music Meeting.
The performance of Mouvman Alo was one of the most surprising moments of the festival. The band, known for their energetic mix of world music and electronic beats, delivered an unforgettable show that immediately got the crowd moving. With their lively rhythms and catchy melodies, they created an authentic atmosphere that was both infectious and immersive. The group’s name, which literally means “movement towards progress” in Réunion Creole, reflects their innovative approach and the impact they had on the festival. The interaction between the band members and the audience was particularly dynamic, seamlessly transferring the energy on stage to the crowd. Mouvman Alo’s performance was a perfect addition to the diverse lineup of the festival and contributed to the rich musical experience that Colours of Ostrava 2024 had to offer.
The performance of the Polish band ||ALA||MEDA|| at Colours of Ostrava 2024 was a refreshing experience for festival-goers seeking innovative musical fusions. Known for their unique blend of jazz and krautrock, ||ALA||MEDA|| delivered a mesmerizing show that was both challenging and immersive. Their set was characterized by complex layered rhythms, driving synthesizers, and improvisational jazz melodies, creating an atmosphere that was both psychedelic and energetic. The band managed to explore the boundaries of traditional genres and engage the audience in a musical journey that seemed to float through space and time.
Tangerine Dream provided an enchanting journey through the world of electronic music. The legendary German band, known for their pioneering work in electronic and ambient music, delivered a hypnotic set that took the audience deep into the ethereal sounds of their synthesizers and sequencers. With a carefully curated setlist that included both iconic tracks and new work, Tangerine Dream created an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complemented the industrial setting of Dolní Vítkovice.
On the Fresh Stage, the South Korean band nuMori drew attention with their unique sound. Despite singing in a completely different language and playing different instruments, they managed to captivate the crowd and get them dancing and clapping. It was fascinating to see how music can overcome language barriers and connect people.
The Brazilian ensemble Bixiga 70, with its powerful brass and dynamic sound, took the audience on a musical journey to the heart of São Paulo’s Bixiga district. The ten-member band, embodying the multicultural vibrancy of this bustling neighborhood, proved that genre boundaries blur when listening to music. You expected samba, and you got it; but soon the music transformed into the uplifting rhythms of ska, the emotional depth of jazz, and unexpected rock and punk influences that seamlessly blended into typical West African rhythms. Bixiga 70 surprised the audience time and again with their modern approach to afrobeat and the rich influences of African music.
The performance of the Japanese band Mitsune was one of the most memorable moments of the festival. The band, known for their innovative mix of traditional Japanese music with modern rock and electronic influences, mesmerized the audience with their energetic and visually impressive performance. With a setlist that included both their latest songs and older tracks, they created a unique atmosphere that was both captivating and thrilling. Mitsune’s hypnotic rhythms and immersive melodies brought a fresh and exotic dimension to the festival, once again highlighting the versatility of Colours of Ostrava.
Of course, the main stage could not be missed. Lenny delivered an unforgettable homecoming performance at Colours of Ostrava 2024 that once again underscored her status as a leading force in the Czech music scene. Known for her powerful voice and impressive artistic vision, she captivated the audience with an immersive show full of musical highlights. Her setlist included both tracks from her successful album “Hearts,” which has conquered the European pop scene, and her latest single “Overdosed.” The performance at Colours of Ostrava was a brilliant example of her ability to create an intimate and powerful experience, treating her fans to a unique combination of musical excellence and visual spectacle.
Son Mieux provided a spectacular opening act for Lenny Kravitz on the Česká spořitelna stage. With their energetic and danceable tracks, which perfectly matched the festival’s vibe, they got the entire field singing and swinging. We have seen them before at the Liberation Festival in their home country of the Netherlands, but they were even better in Ostrava!
Lenny Kravitz delivered an unforgettable two-hour show with 50,000 ecstatic fans. He performed a mix of big hits, such as “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fear,” and tracks from his latest album “Blue Electric Light,” including “TK421,” “Paralyze,” and “Human.” During the encore with “Let Love Rule,” Lenny Kravitz descended into the pit to hug and shake hands with his fans. A particularly special moment was when he danced briefly with the sign language interpreter, who was doing her best from the stage during the show for the festival’s deaf visitors.
Zara Larsson also delivered an unforgettable show on Saturday at Colours of Ostrava. With her powerful voice and catchy hits, she got the 50,000-strong crowd dancing and singing. She alternated between uptempo songs and emotional ballads, interacting with fans by talking and joking. Fans were treated to her biggest hits, including “On My Love” and “Lush Life.” Larsson proved once again that she is one of the most popular and talented singers of her generation, even in the Czech Republic.
Avalanche Kaito enchanted the audience on the ORLEN Drive stage with a stunning performance that pushed the boundaries of music and culture. The trio, consisting of Kaito Winse, the last of the old griot family from Burkina Faso, and Belgian musicians Benjamin Chaval (drums) and Nico Gitt (guitar), created a unique experience blending the richness of African tradition with modern influences. Winse, as a guardian of ancient griot traditions, delivered a hypnotic singing and dance performance that transported the audience to a world of African legends and mysticism. The baritone guitar, an unusual combination of electric guitar and bass, and the electronic support created a compact, immersive sound structure.
Colours of Ostrava 2024 was a true musical adventure, with unexpected discoveries, touching moments, and unforgettable performances. The diversity of genres and cultures made the festival a unique experience that will resonate for a long time. With an impressive lineup of international stars and emerging talents, combined with the unique industrial atmosphere of Dolní Vítkovice, the festival provided an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The variety of music styles, creative ambience, and energetic performances contributed to a four-day celebration of culture and art. As the final notes of the festival faded, visitors left with not only memories of fantastic music but also the warm, communal moments that make Colours of Ostrava so special. The festival once again underscored its role as a cultural highlight and exceeded expectations, making the wait for the next edition all the more exciting.
Photos (c) Eric van Nieuwland; except Lenny Kravitz, (c) Zdenko Hanout
