Ogas

The members of the Ogas folk-rock band specialise in original, contemporary arrangements of  lively Latvian folk songs and perform live concerts in the turbofolk style. The band was founded in  2017 and consists of professional musicians who sing and play a variety of acoustic instruments,  including the kokle, violin, mandolin, wooden flutes, accordion, bagpipes and Jew’s harp. 

In their programmes, Ogas play traditional folk songs and popular songs of the early 20th century as well as original music based on folk lyrics. Bass and percussion rhythms complement  the group’s sound, resulting in a truly energetic mix. Ogas have released two studio albums,  Laikarati (2023) and OK, Laime (2024). The latter includes eight folk melodies, two songs from the  repertoire of the Vabaļis ethnographic ensemble led by Artūrs Uškāns, and two original songs with  folk song lyrics. 

Igeta Ozoliņa – voice, kokle 

Ilze Jurjāne-Lapkovska – voice, violin, mandolin 

Agate Paštore – accordion 

Elīna Līce – wooden flutes, acoustic guitar 

Artūrs Uškāns – bass, Jew’s harp, bagpipes, keyboards, synthesiser, voice

Kristaps Karps – percussion 

Photo: Rojs Maizītis