While drawing on the banda tradition of southern Italy, where the band is based (a style with roots in late-18th-century military bands, the term now referring specifically to brass-band music played in the streets; the tradition survives most strongly in southern Italy), the group also incorporates a broad range of Balkan musical elements, as its lineup makes clear. And as is evident from Zeena, Taranta Virus, and Cesare's solo work, part of his musical background lies firmly in contemporary sensibilities—jazz, fusion, hip-hop, reggae, electronica, breakbeats and more. With all these elements scattered throughout, Opa Tsupa's sound has a depth, intelligence, and wit that sets it clearly apart from so-called Balkan beat.