N.O.H.A.

N.O.H.A. is a group from Düsseldorf whose name stands for Noise of Human Art. It forms in 1995 around Philip Noha, originally from Prague, and MC Chevy, also known as Chevalier Hadley, from New York. The project is built around a blend of drum and bass, breakbeat, nu jazz, trip-hop, electronic music, jazz, world music and groove-driven rhythms.

Line-up and members

The core figures throughout the project are Philip Noha and MC Chevy. Philip Noha leads the group as composer, producer and saxophone player. MC Chevy is the project’s co-founder and contributes lyrics and vocals. The group also includes Sam Leigh-Brown, and the verified line-up lists Philip Noha, MC Chevy and Sam Leigh-Brown as members.

Across its history, N.O.H.A. changes singers and expands its live set-up. The bio also names former and additional contributors including Camila de Oliveira, who sings and plays guitar, writes songs and lyrics, and brings a Latin-influenced style to the project. Other live players mentioned include drummer Thom Herian and bassist Jatrabass, with guest appearances from beatboxer Skiller and vocalists Charlie One and Susi Gamboa.

Style and repertoire

N.O.H.A. is known for combining drum and bass with traditional and multicultural influences. Its music centres on energetic grooves and a mixture of styles rather than a single genre. The group’s live performances are described as highly physical and rhythm-led, with an emphasis on positive energy and dance-oriented momentum.

Key releases and songs

Among the group’s best-known tracks are Balkan Hot Step, Pijama, Dive in your life, Base From Above and Tu Café. Tu Café is singled out as the song that helps bring the band to larger European festival stages. Philip Noha’s composition and production on songs such as Balkan Hot Step and Tu Café are presented as central to the group’s rise.

Live activity and festivals

N.O.H.A. appears at major European festivals and events, including Eurospotting in Copenhagen, Bourges Festival, Roxy in Istanbul, Electronic Beats Festival, Roots Festival in Amsterdam, Espantapitas Festival, Rock For People, Exit, Pohoda, Colours of Ostrava, PopKomm, Rolling Stone Roadshow, Bizarre Festival, Nancy-Jazz Festival and Funkhaus Europa Festival. The group also supports The Prodigy at Electronic Beats Festival.

Its live shows are marked by a broad, cross-genre approach and a strong stage presence. The project is presented as stable over a long period, despite changes in the singer position and later additions to the line-up, with new members helping to refresh its sound and performance style.