Name - Stefko Mandzij
D.O.B - 23/02/1985
City - Manchester
Instrument - Guitar
Before I started learning to play Ukrainian
music, I had played the guitar for a
number of years, since my early teens.
I was into playing rock, blues and rock
'n' roll mainly, in fact the song
"Johnny B. Goode" from Back to the Future
was my inspiration for playing the guitar
in the first place.
When I began to play uki music with Deek at tabir for
the first time, it was a new challenge for me as a
guitarist. While using the skills I owe to my knowledge
of blues and rock, I also began to learn how to produce
a more traditional Ukrainian style of music. This
contrast of styles from the outset has been the basis
for the way I play my guitar in the band, as I hope
to eventually reach a sound that is both original and
authentically Ukrainian.
Being the singer of the band has also been hugely
challenging for me. I have had to work hard and long to
learn dozens of songs, improve my singing, and become
confident as a performer, but all that is due to the
fact that I immensely enjoy singing in the band and
would never have anyone take my place in that respect.
Overall, it's really great to be in a uki band, both
for the enjoyment of the music and the chance to
contribute to the Ukrainian community at various events
around the country. I have a lot of fun playing music
in the band, both in probas and zabavas, as well as the
fun I have simply hanging around with the guys as mates.
Long may it continue.