Piotr Banach did not hide his satisfaction after the album’s premiere “Time to end illusions”considering it one of his best productions. Let us recall that the guitarist was the first leader of the group in the years 1992-1997 Hey (five albums to date, including a breakthrough debut “Fire” at the head), and then together with Gutek co-created the team Indios Bravoswith whom he traveled the length and breadth of Poland.
Since 2015, the guitarist and composer has been performing under the banner of BAiKA, where he is accompanied by his life partner, a vocalist Katarzyna “Kafi” Figaj (also plays keyboards and percussion instruments). They produce their own albums, album covers, music videos, and take care of promotion and concerts. Name BAiKA is not accidental either – it comes from the first letters of the guitarist’s surname and the singer’s nickname.
BAiKA for the third time. The duo goes on tour
Since October 2020, the couple has been living in Miłosław, a small town located approximately 50 km from Poznań. It was there that they bought a house, which they renovated over the next few months. Their next songs were also created there, which made up the third album “Czas end of illusions”. The album contains 11 songs “about illusions, saying goodbye to illusions, remaining in illusions”.
Michał Boroń, Interia: There was “Time of fulfillment”, a moment ago there was “Time of the end of illusions”, and now it’s probably “time of preparation”? What does it look like for you before the tour?
Piotr Banach (BAiKA): – It’s a very intense time, especially since most things are handled by just the two of us. In addition to the fact that we are preparing a new concert set, which requires a lot of rehearsals and technical procedures, we do a lot of activities to promote our concerts on the Internet, we are looking for accommodation, we are planning trips and returns. Kafi has also been working on the set design for several days, cutting, gluing, sewing on a machine, and during breaks he is editing a video clip for a special version of the song. “Katarzyna” in which you can hear a chorus of our fans.
Kafi (BAiKA): – Yesterday I asked Piotr a question: “It was easier to be a musician 15 years ago, right?” The answer was yes (laughter). Piotrek recalled the times when he went to concerts with Indios without worrying about practically anything: promotion – arranged by the club, tickets – sold by the club, hotel, food – club, road – driver. He would come back home and work hard for 5 days until the next trip to the playstation – that’s life (laughter).
What is the coolest for you – creating (composing, writing lyrics), recording itself, the premiere time when you get feedback from listeners, or playing live?
Banach: – For me, the coolest thing is the time of creation and then confronting this work with the audience. Recording can be frustrating and tedious because it’s just a job that has to be done.
Kafi: – And I like everything, least of all the time of the premiere (promoting, collecting materials, describing, wandering around interviews) and most of all recording in the studio and concerts (but when I’m standing on stage, without all the activities: getting there, setting up the equipment, soundcheck, etc.).
Ultimately, BAiKA is still a duo live, despite initial announcements that there is a chance to play with a fuller lineup. Brutal economics won?
Banach: – Economics is important here, but not the most important thing. BAiKA has a characteristic sound resulting from the mix of two sensibilities. I’m a little afraid that we will lose our current character when there are four or five of these sensitivities mixing together.
Kafi: – I don’t lose faith that it will happen. Spring didn’t work because after recording the album, Piotr got tired of the stimulus and rehearsals were impossible, but two rehearsals took place. However, to play concerts efficiently, more meetings are needed, so we will see what this year will bring. Please believe with me. If thought shapes reality, then so be it – more minds, more chances.
Many artists often say that the best album is the one that has not yet been recorded. Piotrek, in turn, directly stated that “The End of Illusions” is one of his best works.
Banach: – One of the best, but not the best, so there is still room for progress. An unrecorded album is just a guess. If I record one that I think has nothing to improve, that I wouldn’t change anything about it, it will be a sign for me that it’s time to retire. However, for now, I’m not going there.
Kafi: – Time and listeners verify everything.
On the one hand, you are talking about a certain summary of a decade of activity, and on the other, you are talking about opening a new chapter. What will the now teenage BAiKA be like?
Banach: – I hope she’s not as chimerical as most teenagers are, but it would be nice if she was as searching and full of enthusiasm as they are.
Kafi: – More defined. It took me 10 years to identify with this project and find myself in it. In 2025 it finally happened and I feel like BAiKA now bears the imprint of both of us. We found a way to create space for Banach and Kafi, two very different personalities, so that neither of them would feel aggrieved.
“Time for the End of Illusions” is Kafi’s greater participation as a lyricist. Was it difficult for Piotrek to move a bit on this shelf? I remember you once said that Kafi wanted to have more to sing, but he usually stuck to shorter forms.
Banach: – Of course it’s difficult. Writing lyrics fulfilled me very much, but since Kafi did too, I had to share this fulfillment.
Kafi: – And I’m grateful that it finally happened, because the power of music’s message and impact must result from conviction and authenticity. Now that I can express myself in my own words, I feel there is the right power and balance to it.
Three flaws of Piotrek and Kaficzek according to the latter person.
Banach: – Impatient, short-tempered, stubborn.
Kafi: – He likes to be right, sometimes he talks too slowly and for too long, he answers incessantly, he eats greedily and throws everything around the plate.
Three things you like each other for.
Banach: – Characterful, helpful, funny.
Kafi: – For positive disposition, wisdom, sensitivity.
BAiKA on the tour promoting the album “Time of the End of Illusions”
11/02 – Warsaw, BARdzo very (premiere concert starting the tour)
15/02 – Białystok, Radio (radio tickets)
27/02. – Lubawa, Empatio
28/02. – Toruń, Kombinat Kultury
5/03 – Lublin, Fabryka Kultury ZGRZYT
6/03 – Łódź, Storage
12/03 – Szczecin, 13 Muz
March 13 – Gorzów Wielkopolski, MagnetOffOn
March 19 – Wrocław, Nietota
21/03 – Opole, Place X
17/04. – Tarnów, Maranto
18/04 – Gliwice, Cechownia
23/04. – Poznań, Mr. Gar
24/04. – Zbąszyń, At the Craftsman’s.