Juantxo Skalari

About

From the Basque Country comes Juantxo Skalari, a musical firebrand whose infectious energy ignites audiences with his signature blend of ska, rocksteady, and punk rebellion. Skalari doesn't just play ska; he embodies its spirit of unity and social commentary, injecting a potent dose of Basque identity into the genre's global language. His sound, rooted in the traditions of groups like Skatalites and The Specials, is nevertheless uniquely his own, sharpened with the rebellious edge of early punk and lyrical fire that tackles social injustices and celebrates cultural pride. His breakthrough came with the band Skalariak, where his potent vocals and charismatic stage presence propelled them to become icons of the Basque ska scene in the late 90s and early 2000s. After Skalariak disbanded, Juantxo continued his musical journey as a solo artist, evolving his sound while retaining the core ska elements. He champions Basque culture and identity, fiercely singing in Euskara, the Basque language, bringing international attention to the unique culture of the region. Collaborations with other prominent Basque musicians are frequent, cementing his role as a pillar of the regional music community. He continues to tour extensively, both solo and with his band Rude Band, delivering high-energy performances that are as much a political statement as they are a celebration. Recently, Juantxo has focused on new recordings, ensuring his musical voice continues to resonate with fans old and new, amplifying the call for social justice and cultural preservation through infectious rhythms.