Maanam (Tamil for respect or dignity) is a popular Polish rock band, formed by Marek Jackowski, Kora (Olga Jackowska) and Milo Kurtis in 1976. Originally an acoustic outfit, the band went electric in 1980, and since then has recorded some of the best-selling singles and albums in Poland over the past 25 years.
During the first half of the 1980s, Maanam featured an energetic, guitar-centred post-punk sound. Kora's vocal gymnastics were an example of iconoclastic international female pop vocalists of the time, and showcased the consonant-laden Polish language as one perfectly suited to rock sounds. In 1988, Maanam's "Sie ściemnia" became the first Polish music video to air on the international MTV. Maanam's sound in the 1980s could be considered a cross between Nina Hagen, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Blondie.
In the 1990s, Maanam acquired a more melodic, and equally catchy, sound.
In 2007, Marek and Olga (Kora) announced the suspension of the band for an indefinite period of time. The two have since been performing with other musicians.
Guitarist Janusz Iwański played with the group for some time.
