Maruja to bring loud, bold and honest jazz-punk to Pohoda
British experimental band Maruja from Manchester will also perform at Pohoda Festival 2026. Blending heavy guitars with jazz saxophone and rap-driven vocals, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most intense and energetic live acts on today’s alternative scene.
09. April 2026
If you enjoy the musical worlds of Black Midi, Black Country, New Road, Opus Kink or Fat Dog, Maruja should definitely be on your playlist. Their compositions are largely built around improvisation, while the lyrics are shaped by life in their hometown of Manchester, a city that the band members describe as experiencing a decline after its former glory.
At Pohoda 2026, Maruja will arrive with their critically acclaimed debut album Pain to Power. The record was captured at Low Four Studio and produced by Samuel W. Jones, who previously collaborated with the band on their three EP releases. Pain to Power explores themes of community, solidarity and love as forces capable of driving social and political change.
Across its eight tracks, the album takes listeners from the frustration and raw energy of openers Bloodsport and Look Down On Us to the spiritual atmosphere of Zaytoun and the monumental closing piece Reconcile. The nine-minute finale builds around the transcendent saxophone of Joe Carroll and the impassioned performance of rapper and singer Harry Wilkinson, who calls on listeners to “pray for love” and “have no fear”.
The album mirrors the arc of a Maruja live show — beginning with an onslaught of energy before rising into moments of almost transcendent intensity. Their music naturally merges jazz, post-punk, spoken word and experimental improvisation into a sound that feels raw, urgent and deeply emotional.
Known for their electrifying performances where jazz improvisation meets punk directness and politically charged lyrics, Maruja promise a show that moves between anger and hope — just as the title of their debut suggests: from pain to power.
Over three days (Thursday to Saturday), Pohoda 2026 will feature performances by Gorillaz, The Prodigy, Lykke Li, Denzel Curry, IDLES, Oliver Tree, Apashe & Brass Orchestra, Action Bronson, Emilíana Torrini, Baxter Dury, and many more.
For the first time in Pohoda’s history, there will also be a standalone Extra Day, featuring The Cure, The Twilight Sad, Just Mustard, and Denis Bango. For Wednesday – The Cure Extra Day, it is possible to purchase a single-day ticket or combine the experience with the full festival by buying a 4-day pass, which is currently the most cost-effective way to enjoy Pohoda in its entirety. Pohoda Festival will take place on July 8 & July 9–11, 2026, at Trenčín Airport.