On May 4, 2025, the Polish music community was rocked by the news of the death of Michał "Joka" Marten, a prominent rapper and co-founder of the legendary hip-hop group Kaliber 44. His brother, Marcin "Abradab" Marten, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing his profound sorrow and the belief that Joka would forever remain in their hearts.
"With the greatest pain, I inform you of Michał's death. He is no longer with us, but I believe he will always remain in our hearts. The date of the funeral has not yet been set. I kindly ask for respect during this time of mourning," wrote Abradab, in a post that quickly drew hundreds of comments from fans expressing their condolences and disbelief over Joka's sudden passing.
Joka, born on May 12, 1977, would have turned 48 years old just days after his death. His contributions to Polish rap were significant, particularly through his work with Kaliber 44, which he co-founded in Katowice alongside his brother and Piotr "Magik" Łuszcz, who tragically passed away in 2000.
The trio's innovative sound and lyrical depth helped define the Polish hip-hop scene in the 1990s. They released two groundbreaking albums, "Księga Tajemnicza. Prolog" and "W 63 minuty dookoła świata," which are considered classics in the genre and have left an indelible mark on the history of Polish music.
Tributes poured in from fellow artists, highlighting Joka's impact on the music scene. Notable rapper Grubson (Tomasz Iwanca) took to Instagram to pay his respects, stating, "Rest in peace, brother. R.I.P. Joka." Similarly, Peja (Ryszard Andrzejewski) expressed his condolences with heartfelt words, while O.S.T.R. (Maciej Ostrowski) shared his support, saying, "We are with you." These messages reflect the deep respect and admiration Joka garnered throughout his career.
In addition to his work with Kaliber 44, Joka was also involved with other musical projects, including Czarne Złoto and Baku Baku Skład. His collaborations spanned a wide range of artists, including HST, Miuosh, Jajonasz, Pih, L.U.C., Jimek, Bisz, Buka, Promoe, Łemy, WSZ, CNE, Bolec, Wzgórze Ya-Pa 3, Molesta Ewenement, Thinkadelic, Fokus, Pokahontaz, DJ 600V, and Skorup. Joka's versatility and talent allowed him to leave a lasting impression on many within the industry.
His contributions were recognized in 2011 when he was ranked 26th on Machina magazine's list of the thirty best Polish rappers. The following year, he climbed to 5th place on a similar list by the Porcys service, showcasing his growing influence and popularity.
Kaliber 44 itself was formed in 1993, initially comprising three teenagers: Joka, Abradab, and Magik. They began crafting their beats on a Commodore 64 computer, a testament to their innovative spirit from the very start. After five years, Magik departed to form the group Paktofonika with Rahim and Fokus, leaving the Marten brothers to continue their journey.
Over the course of nearly three decades, Kaliber 44 released four albums and numerous singles, solidifying their status as one of the most popular hip-hop groups in Polish music history. With over half a million records sold, their influence remains profound, and they were awarded a Fryderyk for their album "3:44," further cementing their legacy.
As the news of Joka's passing spreads, many fans and fellow musicians alike are reflecting on his life and the impact he had on the Polish rap scene. The outpouring of grief and support from the community illustrates just how much he meant to those who knew him and to the countless fans who resonated with his music.
In these moments of loss, the music community often comes together to celebrate the life and contributions of those who have passed. Joka's legacy will undoubtedly continue through the music he created and the memories he left behind. His brother's heartfelt message serves as a reminder of the bond they shared and the indelible mark Joka has left on the hearts of many.
As fans await further announcements regarding the funeral arrangements, it is clear that Michał "Joka" Marten's influence will be felt for years to come, not just in the tracks he recorded but in the lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.
