Melbourne Ska Orchestra
AUSTRALIA'S iconic
global ska collective
AUSTRALIA'S iconic
global ska collective
bio
Formed in 2003, the ARIA award-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra is an orchestra with a difference. Featuring up to 34 powerhouse musicians led by the dynamic Nicky Bomba, the band delivers a thrilling fusion of ska, reggae and big-band energy.
Their explosive live shows and infectious spirit have earned them a reputation as one of Australia’s most joyful and unforgettable musical experiences.
Their explosive live shows and infectious spirit have earned them a reputation as one of Australia’s most joyful and unforgettable musical experiences.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra has released over 50 recordings across albums, singles and special projects, including the ambitious 52-songs-in-a-year project that became the four-album One Year Of Ska. Their catalogue has earned two ARIA Awards for Best World Music Album (2016 and 2019), along with multiple ARIA and Music Victoria Award nominations for releases including Sierra-Kilo-Alpha, Saturn Return, and Ska Classics.
The Orchestra has played major stages worldwide including Glastonbury, Montreal Jazz Festival, WOMAD, Byron Bay Bluesfest and international headline tours across the UK, Canada, USA, Europe and the Pacific. Their music has also earned millions of streams and standout moments such as Get Smart (10M+ views), The Best Things in Life Are Free (2M+) and Lygon Street Meltdown (1M+), cementing their status as one of Australia’s most celebrated and globally-loved live acts.
Whether performing with 14 members or a full 34-piece lineup, Melbourne Ska Orchestra is a force of rhythm, horns and unity. From tiny clubs to world stages, they channel the heartbeat of Jamaican ska through an Australian lens, proving that great music, energy and community know no borders.
Formed in 2003, the ARIA award-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra is an orchestra with a difference. Featuring up to 34 powerhouse musicians led by the dynamic Nicky Bomba, the band delivers a thrilling fusion of ska, reggae and big-band energy.
Their explosive live shows and infectious spirit have earned them a reputation as one of Australia’s most joyful and unforgettable musical experiences.
Their explosive live shows and infectious spirit have earned them a reputation as one of Australia’s most joyful and unforgettable musical experiences.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra has released over 50 recordings across albums, singles and special projects, including the ambitious 52-songs-in-a-year project that became the four-album One Year Of Ska. Their catalogue has earned two ARIA Awards for Best World Music Album (2016 and 2019), along with multiple ARIA and Music Victoria Award nominations for releases including Sierra-Kilo-Alpha, Saturn Return, and Ska Classics.
The Orchestra has played major stages worldwide including Glastonbury, Montreal Jazz Festival, WOMAD, Byron Bay Bluesfest and international headline tours across the UK, Canada, USA, Europe and the Pacific. Their music has also earned millions of streams and standout moments such as Get Smart (10M+ views), The Best Things in Life Are Free (2M+) and Lygon Street Meltdown (1M+), cementing their status as one of Australia’s most celebrated and globally-loved live acts.
Whether performing with 14 members or a full 34-piece lineup, Melbourne Ska Orchestra is a force of rhythm, horns and unity. From tiny clubs to world stages, they channel the heartbeat of Jamaican ska through an Australian lens, proving that great music, energy and community know no borders.
