Kawasaki 3P Announce Career-Defining Concert at Šalata
Frontman Tomfa says the band has no fear of big stages, teases new singles, and insists they won't change for another two decades.
Frontman Tomfa says the band has no fear of big stages, teases new singles, and insists they won't change for another two decades.
Zagreb's ska-punk band Kawasaki 3P will hold their biggest headlining concert to date at Šalata on September 11, 2026. After more than three decades spent in smoky clubs, amid sweat and dense crowds, the legendary outfit is stepping onto one of the city's most significant stages, and frontman Tomislav Vukelić Tomfa reveals to Jutarnji list how they are preparing for this pivotal moment.
For many local bands, Šalata represents a turning point between club status and a major city event. Tomfa, however, stresses that the band's approach doesn't change with the size of the venue. "We're primarily a live band, and we function just as well in packed clubs as we do on large stages. There's no overthinking it. We've got too many miles under our belts to fear big concerts," he told Jutarnji list.
The band, which alongside Tomfa includes guitarists Toni Babarović Babke and Davor Viduka, drummer Nikola Babić, bassist Mario Borščak, and a horn section comprising Igor Pavlica, Stipe Mađor Božinović, and Ivan Marincel, has built its reputation on high-energy performances. Their blend of ska-punk, fierce riffs, and brass lines has always worked better live than through speakers.
When asked how ska-punk, a genre never meant for the masses, can fill Šalata today, Tomfa replies: "I think it's mostly about the band's energy and the crowd's madness. Our mix of styles and fierce riffs just makes you want to move. We hope it'll be the same this time."
He's particularly pleased that the audience is renewing itself over the years. "One of the best moments at concerts is seeing younger fans in the front rows. We're grateful for that. It means we've been doing something right or interesting all these years," the frontman adds.
Kawasaki 3P released two singles this year-"Di je tata?" and "3 crte"-signaling that the Šalata concert won't just be a greatest-hits retrospective. Tomfa explains that the band took a major creative break during the COVID-19 pandemic. "It wasn't exactly a time for excessive creativity, at least in our case. But even during that awful period, a few of us had ideas that needed to be realized when the time was right. This year we put out two singles, and we'll be releasing more in the coming period," he announces.
With Kawasaki 3P, there's always been a tension between fun and message. Audiences often hear the chorus and rhythm first, only later catching what lies beneath seemingly trivial lyrics. Tomfa sees no issue with that. "People should enjoy themselves with our music, just like we do. Of course, those seemingly banal lyrics hide different messages if you listen closely. To reassure you, some band members are only now, nearly at retirement age, figuring out what certain songs are about," he says.
Zagreb has changed since the band's early days, but Tomfa insists that doesn't strip away material for songs. "Of course it's changed. For some, it's changed for the better; for others, for the worse. But if you pay close enough attention to your surroundings, like we do, inspiration can't run out. The absurd times we live in give you plenty to work with," he says.
When it comes to the band aging and audience expectations, the frontman is blunt: "We have no intention of changing for at least another twenty years. I don't see the point. K3P members also play in other bands, so they get their fix of change and musical evolution there. In our collective, there's no need for it. We are what we are, and we work great in our own little movie."
Asked whether Kawasaki 3P can grow old without losing what made them who they are, Tomfa answers with a touch of humor: "I'll answer that question in about fifteen years."
For Šalata, the band is preparing surprises, but they don't want the concert to feel like a ceremonial anniversary. Their goal remains the same as always-for the band and the audience to have a great time. "We're definitely excited about the headlining show at Šalata. I think our loyal K3P crowd deserves to celebrate together in that legendary venue. We'll make sure the gathering on September 11 is special and quintessentially K3P," Tomfa says.
Rehearsals are intense, and the frontman comments with his trademark irony: "I admit we're rehearsing at an increased pace, almost like it's our last. And maybe it is... Anyway, those who survive will tell the tale."
