As Deek, Mish, Stef and Zen became more accomplished as a zabava band, they realised
that they needed to continue improving as an outfit. Ideas to improve every aspect of
the band were never in short supply, and it was this way of thinking which brought the
guys to the decision to add a fifth member, Martyn Kuziw.
Deek first had the idea to add Martyn to the band having played uki songs together with
him every night for two weeks at Tabir 2004. Deek's encouragement and enthusiasm for uki
music made an impression on Martyn. Deek in turn was impressed by Martyn's musical talent
and saw great potential in him.
Having discussed it at length, the guys eventually asked Martyn to join Chorna Roza in
February 2005 at Zen's 21st birthday party, and Martyn came along to his first practice
soon afterwards. The guys were initially quite keen on Martyn playing the violin in the
band as well as joining in with some singing to add a different sound to the band and
generally give the music more depth. Although Martyn was willing to give it ago, one of
the strings broke on the violin as he was tuning it up. Rather than play nothing at all,
he picked up a mandolin one of the guys had brought and began strumming along as well as
adding his harmonies into a few of the songs. The guys were encouraged by what they heard,
particularly given that Martyn had never even played a mandolin before.
Having found a suitable 'apprentice', Deek and Stef worked with Martyn on the songs in the
band's set list the following summer at Tabir 2005. Feeling that he was ready, they asked
him to play for the zabava at the end of camp. Although he still felt he had a lot to learn,
Martyn eagerly accepted. The zabava was a good one, and it was clear from Martyn's contribution
that he had the potential to both add a new dimension and become a permanent fixture in the band.