Biography

Ota Váňa (born June 11, 1971, in Teplice) is a Czech guitarist, a member of the band Kabát, and a composer of their music. He has written the music for many of Kabát’s songs, such as "Burlaci," "Malá dáma," "Na sever," "Banditi di Praga," "Valkýra," and "Houby magický." His song "Kdoví jestli" won the OSA award for "Popular Song of the Year" in 2008. He plays primarily on Gibson Les Paul Custom guitars; since 2008, he has also played instruments from the Czech brand Jolana, which produces his signature model, the Jolana Tornado. He uses Marshall amplification. A record-breaking 80,000 fans attended the band's anniversary concert at Vypich in Prague (2014).