Iriao Music

IRIAO is a Georgian ethno-jazz ensemble founded in 2013 in Tbilisi, blending authentic Georgian polyphonic singing with jazz and jazz-fusion. The band does not modernize tradition but enriches it with harmony, improvisation, and contemporary sound, while preserving its original spirit. Georgian polyphony, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, stands at the core of IRIAO’s music.

Led by composer and keyboardist David Malazonia, IRIAO has performed at major international festivals worldwide, includint Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Members: David Malazonia (keys), David Kavtaradze (traditional instruments), Shalva Karkarashvili (piano), Bidzina (Buba) Murgulia (vocal), Mikheil Javakhishvili (vocal), George Abashidze (vocal), Luka Kitiashvili (bass), Saba Kitiashvili (drums).