NAPFONAT (Hungary)

Krisztina Farkas, vocals, cajon, tarabuka, frame drum
Henrietta Szalay, vocals, percussion, frame drum
Anita Szarka, vocals, cajon
Eszter Tóth, vocals, frame drum, tarabuka
Orsolya Tóth, vocals, frame drum

Magnetic sound with the elemental power of a choir and the subtlety of solos, backed by ancient percussive instruments.

Napfonat is an energetic and enigmatic female a cappella ensemble comprising five singers and songwriters: Krisztina Farkas (Volkova), Henrietta Szalay, Anita Szarka, Eszter Tóth, and Orsolya Tóth. Their debut album, Szól a Világ, released by Music Hungary (Hangvető) in May 2021, was shortlisted for the 2022 FONOGRAM Award as one of the five best folk and world music albums of the year. Their second album, Harmatcseppben él a világ bennem, released by Fonó in June 2023, reached No. 11 on the World Music Charts Europe in December of the same year.

At the heart of Napfonat’s multicultural musical language is the polyphony of five female voices, exploring themes of shared human experience, community, and sisterhood. Their distinctive sound moves between the elemental power of collective singing and the intimacy of solo expression, enriched by the timbral and rhythmic presence of ancient percussive instruments.

Napfonat (a name meaning “Sun-braid”) has toured extensively throughout Hungary and the wider Central and Eastern European region, appearing at venues and festivals including MÜPA, Magyar Zene Háza, Fonó, and the Valley of Arts. The ensemble has also appeared as featured guests in performances by internationally renowned artists Bea Palya and Sena Dagadu.

Across their three albums, Napfonat trace a path from the reinterpretation of traditional music towards an increasingly distinctive compositional language. Their debut Szól a Világ combines folk songs from Mexico to Poland with original pieces rooted in Hungarian folk traditions, hypnotic vocal patterns, and vibrant rhythms. Harmatcseppben él a világ bennem turns towards predominantly original material inspired by the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire, and Water – exploring their symbolic qualities through the expressive possibilities of the human voice. Their third album, Égből, Fényből… (“From Heaven, From Light…”, 2023), reimagines folk songs and Christmas carols through new vocal and instrumental arrangements, while reflecting on universal themes of light, community, motherhood, and family.