Jam SESSION

Meet the musicians who're taking the indie scene by storm, discarding gender norms, and paving the path with their fresh sounds.

GANGSTER QUEEN

Feminist indie musical artist Tribemama Marykali INFUSES her Kerala roots with the FUNK and BEAT of Africa in her latest single, as she calls upon her sisters to EMBR ACE a SOVEREIGN mentality and release GENER ATIONAL curses. By Priya Kumari Rana

Indie artist Tribemama Marykali—also known as Anna Katharina Valayil—originally from Kerala, grew up in Nigeria, and now lives in Kochi. With a fresh voice, infused with afro-funk beats, she’s piquing interest amongst fans with her single Bless Ya Heels [2021] where she is seen gyrating in a traditional white and gold Kasuvu sari. Although trained in both Western and Carnatic styles, none of which lasted more than three months, Marykali credits MTV for being her biggest teacher. “The afro-funk influence is very much existent because of the way Fela Kuti (a Nigerian singer and activist) affected my upbringing,” she says. “My household raised me on Peter Tosh, Sister Nancy, and Bob Marley. My own nanny, Patience, and her African influence and style is something my home is strongly connected to.” She also grew up listening to Madonna, Prince, and George Michael.

Tribemama believes in smashing stereotypes, one song at a time. Her song Appangal Embadum featured in the 2012 film Ustad Hotel, and she has sung in Malayalam and Tamil (her latest singles are in English). The fiercely feminist singer says she created a bold, danceable, and funky video like Bless