Czech band Čankišou became famous in the Czech republic and also abroad for its concerts full of energy and wild rhythms. Concerts run by singer Karel Herman who is very impressive not only because of his voice but also his figure become wild dance parties few minutes after beginning. Čankišou mixes influences from various ethnics with rock roots and with its rich collection of exotic instruments travels the world from Réunion island in an Indian ocean, via Pakistan to Borneo island in Malaysia.

Čankišou was established at a Christmas party in 1999 by rock musicians. They put together various exotic and common rock instruments and started to explore world music field which was completely new for them at that time. Čankišou music is based on an old legend about one legged Čanki people and the band also learnt their language which is understandable all over the world. Within 15 years of existence the band has become one of the top world music bands in the Czech republic and has travelled 15 countries so far.

Čankišou published several successful CD´s: first CD called Music of the Canki people (Hudba lidu Čanki, 2000) is full of energy and passion from new meeting with world music. More thoughtful Densé ju (2002) includes tittle Mongolian folk song, which was brought by singer Karel Herman from a festival in Mongolia. Third Gamagaj (2004) is inspired by a book Baudolino by Umberto Eco (all by FT Records). Lé La (2008 by Indies Scope) is inspired mainly by many journeys and fusions with local musicians the band did in previous two years and Pakistan singer Sain Zahoor appers there as a guest. According to the Czech world music journalist Jiří Moravčík Lé La is the best Czech world music CD in 2008. The band was nominated for Czech version of Grammy called Anděl 2008 in world music category. New CD Faÿt (2011 by Indies Scope) which reflects more rock roots of all the musicians was No. 10 in December 2011 and. No. 17 in November 2011 in the World music chart Europe. In the top 200 WMCE in 2011 as a whole Faÿt is No. 98 out of 899 nominated CD´s! Last CD called Supay (2015, Indies Scope)  is full more very diverse rocky music in na ethno coat and was again nominated for Anděl 2015.

Čankišou made fusion with Sain Zahoor who got BBC World music 2006 award and a sufi singer Surriya Khanam in Pakistan, with Rajery and Coco Mbasi at Folk holidays festival in the Czech republic.

In 2007 a book with soundtrack Ukopnuty palec aneb Pribehy lidu Canki was released. It´s a collection of 13 stories about Canki people by 13 authors. The soundtrack consists of 13 songs where each one is inspired by one story and composed by one of the Cankisou musician.

The band has following videos out now: Sham Sut (2000) from the first CD and Anay Yo (2005) from Gamagaj CD.  Zuha (2008) is on Lé La CD and was shot in Pakistan. You can also see Sain Zahoor there. The last video Borrega (2009) is animated. All of them are broadcasted by American Link TV.

Singer Karel Herman was awarded second place at an international music festival Chuch Mongolia 2001 /Blue Mongolia/ in Mongolia. David Synák in cooperation with Theatre Continuo took part in EXPO 2005 exhibiton in Japan and also in EXPO 2010 in China.

Čankišou performs at various events:

• the only band from the Czech republic performing at Sziget 2010 festival in Budapest (at the world music stage)
• they were the second Czech band in ten years of festival history to perform at Amsterdam Roots Festival 2007, member of European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals
• participation in World Performing and Visual Arts festival 2007 and 2005 in Lahore in Pakistan - except of its own concerts the band made fusion with Sain Zahoor who received BBC World music 2006 award and sufi singer Surriya Khanam
• first Czech band ever to play at Manapany Surf festival 2006 on Réunion island including fusion with local musicians
• Czech music festivals - Colours of Ostrava - member of EFWMF, Rock for people, United Islands, Trutnov Open Air, Zamosti, Straznice, Trnkobraní, Febiofest etc.
• Slovakian music festivals - Pohoda, Topvar Rock Fest, Reviste, Hodokvas, Country Lodenice, Cibulak, Mediawave etc.
• foreign - Malaysia (Rainforest world music festival 2012), Hungary (Sziget 2013 and 2010), Switzerland (Gena festival 2011), Netherlands (Rainbowpark festival 2009, Amsterdam Roots Festival 2007, member of EFWMF, Wereldfeest 2007, Kleur van de Nacht 2007), Estonia (Maailmakula 2008), Germany (Folklorefest 2013, Prague in Hamburg 2004, Folkherbst 2005 and 2007), Poland (Culture of rhythm 2010, Klodzsko 2009, FOLKowa FIESTA 2005 and 2006), Ukraine (ArtPole 2011, Svirzh World Music festival 2009, Ethno and land art festival Sheshori 2005 and 2007), Lithuania (Klaipeda Jazz Festival 2005), Romania (Fete de la Musique 2005), Pakistan (World Performing Arts Festival 2005, World Performing and Visual Arts Festival 2007 in Lahore), Italy, Austria, France...
• recorded music for film Nuda v Brne directed by Vladimir Moravek - songs Lebada Roti a A Sta Libera from cd Gamagaj are part of czech film Blízko nebe (Close to Heaven) by Dan Svátek - opening of The National Geographic Exhibition in Praque

The band Čankišou:

Karel Herman - vocals, trumpet
Zdenek Kluka - vocals, drums, percussions, accordion, vocals
Jiri Suchy or Jan Kluka - drums, djembe, percussions, vocals
David Synak - flutes, didjeridoo, altsax, sopransax, jinagovi, vocals
Roman Mrazek - bass, vocals
Rene Senko - tenorsaxofon, ukulele, vocals
Martin Krajicek - mandoline, quitar, ukulele, vocals