Munna PM, one of the founding members of the instrumental collective, Shanka Tribe, describes the process behind creating their latest EP, Umoja, as “intuitive”. Umoja emerged from the collective’s jam sessions with traditional musical instruments. “Certain rhythms or melodies would trigger visual images, moods, or emotions, which became the seeds of Umoja,” says Munna, about the 20-minute EP.
“Umoja in Swahili means unity,” Munna explains, emphasising how the band brings different cultures, instruments, and emotions into a single musical flow. “We work with instruments that carry cultural histories and emotional textures. When they come together, they create a language of their own,” adds Munna.
Shanka Tribe, known for its global orchestra using instruments such as didjeridoo, djembe, conga, handpan, darbuka, bongo, and oud, was founded by Munna and Joel Jackson during their college days in Kozhikode. Musicians Libin Noby, Hari Krishnan PV, Nithin M Menon, and Sreeraj K complete the ensemble. The band debuted in 2021 with a single, ‘When Nature Calls’, and has released four tracks since then.
Shanka Tribe band
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The band’s tracks are mostly instrumentals blended with chants and flute, guitar and keyboard based on the core philosophy that music is a universal language. “You don’t always need words to express something deep. Rhythms can speak energy, melody can express emotion, and silence can hold meaning,” says Joel.
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Umoja’s music video directed by Munna, also stands out for its choreography by Dancing Ninja, which fuses contemporary dance moves with rhythm, creating a physical expression for the ensemble’s music. “The choreography reflects unity, resilience, and the connection between body, sound, and nature. We wanted the video to feel like a meditative journey rather than a storyline. The idea was to immerse the viewer in movement, nature, and emotion,” says Joel.
The three tracks, ‘Karmi’, ‘Mhaso’, and ‘Ithemba’, are in a single music video, with the album intended to be experienced as a continuous journey, the musicians say. The tracks weave in themes such as sisterhood, feminine strength, and hope.
The band has collaborated with singer Neha Nair and composer Rex Vijayan for Umoja. While Neha has crooned ‘Karmi’, Rex has handled the mixing and mastering of the compilation. “We have been fans of Rex and Neha for many years. For the first track, Neha’s vocals becomes the emotional anchor. Rex has also been one of the strongest supporters of our sound. Their ability to blend tradition with experimentation is very close to what we try to do as a band,” says Munna.
The musicians say, “The collaboration happened naturally. While working on ‘Karmi’, we felt the track needed a voice that was rooted, intimate, and full of emotion. Neha was the first name that came to mind. Rex played a key role in shaping the arrangement and guiding the sonic mood, adding depth and sensitivity to the composition,” says Munna.
Past and Future
The artistes believe their voices have matured over the years. “In early days, we were experimenting without any fixed idea of what Shanka Tribe should sound like. We were curious, trying new instruments, learning how to blend them, and discovering our musical identity. Over time, through live shows, travel, and continuous exploration, our voices have become more focused and confident,” says Joel.
The band understands its strengths better as the bond among the members became stronger. The collective also believes their arrangements have become more intentional, communicating through rhythm and emotion. “The growth has been organic, and every release has pushed us toward a clearer and more powerful identity,” says Joel.
Currently, the band is focusing on expanding its global presence. “In 2026, we are planning a European tour followed by an Australian tour, with the aim of performing at major music festivals around the world. We are also working on new music that continues the direction we explore in Umoja, with more collaborations, deeper textures, and a wider global sound. At the same time, we want to keep growing our live experience and bring our music to new audiences internationally.”
Published – November 21, 2025 12:35 pm IST
