Irek Dudek
Irek Dudek was born in Katowice and knew from a young age that music would be his path. He started with the violin, but it was the harmonica that became his true voice and his gateway into the world of blues.
In the 1970s, he collaborated with bands such as SBB, Twarze, and Hall, and soon after founded his own group, Apokalipsa. Later, he formed the duo Irjan, performing not only in Poland but also in Germany, Canada, and the United States. His energy and passion made him unforgettable to audiences, establishing him as one of the pioneers of Polish blues.
In 1981, he came up with the idea of organizing a festival in Katowice that would bring together blues musicians and fans. This gave birth to the Rawa Blues Festival, which over time grew into the largest and most prestigious blues event in Poland and one of the biggest in Europe. Held at the Spodek arena in Katowice, the festival has become a showcase for the city, attracting artists and audiences from around the world for decades. Thanks to Rawa, Katowice earned the title of the Polish blues capital, and the festival became not only a musical event but also a cultural symbol of the region, enhancing its international recognition.
In the 1980s, Irek Dudek created his rock’n’roll alter ego — Shakin’ Dudi — and with the band of the same name recorded humorous and energetic songs like Au sza la la la and Och Ziuta. These hits brought him immense popularity and secured his place in the history of Polish popular music.
At the same time, he continued his blues work, leading Big Blues Band, Big Band Boogie, and the trio Dudek–Błędowski–Gembalski. He also collaborated with legendary groups like Breakout and Kwadrat, continually expanding his musical horizons and inspiring new generations of artists.
This is the portrait of an artist who was at once a serious bluesman, a lively rock’n’roller, and a cultural visionary. His story is one of a man who never feared to follow his own path and, through his passion and determination, left an indelible mark on the history of Polish music — giving Katowice a festival that has become the musical heart of the city.
For more information, visit:
