Tribe Mama, also known as Anna Katharina Valayil, is an extraordinary talent with a diverse cultural background. Born into an Indian family with Malayali roots, raised in Nigeria, and educated in Australia, she has cultivated a captivating blend of music and art.
Inspired by her experiences, Tribe Mama’s music combines Kerala folk, afro-reggae beats, hip-hop rhythms, and electronic influences. With a growing social media following, Tribe Mama continues to enchant audiences with her unique sound and perspectives, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene.
Q1. What message do you hope to convey through your art and music and how was your experience working with Budweiser Magnum Double Barrel Whiskey on this documentary-style video?
My music and art allow me to explore myself and go within – to truly identify who I really am and dwell deeper into my connection with the rest of the world. My experience with Magnum Double Barrel Whiskey is celebrating a full cycle of my journey. I started off many moons ago with my humble acoustic Gibson Guitar, Stranger Amplifier and an old mix jamming in my room. I guess Magnum Double Barrel Whiskey and I, we are stepping out together and celebrating our new cycle- finding our place in the world.
Q2.You have lived in several countries throughout your life. How have these experiences shaped your music and personal style?
My interaction with people from all over the world made me more human than anything else could ever have. My music is a reflection of the human spirituality in all its brilliance despite how ever mundane this society wants us to believe we are.
Q3. Your music is a blend of different genres, incorporating elements of Indian classical music, afro reggae beats, hip-hop rhythms, and electronic music – how do you manage to integrate these diverse musical styles together, what’s your creative process like?
I was in the process of integrating myself. My ancestry with my current existence, my culture with my exposure and experience. My creative process is living and breathing through it and coming out alive with a sound, a mood, a vision all structured and integrated into my songs and videos.
Q4.You are a pilot turned musician, two very different fields of work. How did you manage the transition – can you tell us a little more on this unique journey?
Actually, for a brief period, I was a musician / artist turned pilot. I had the chance to train myself to fly and I did it. I prepare like a pilot who is going to take-off before a gig or when I step into production or any studio work. ‘Prior Planning Prevents Pissed Poor Performance’ – this simple principle was passed down to me during my training days at Bendigo Aviation by my Late Captain Chris Gobel.
Q5. What advice would you give to aspiring artists and musicians who may come from diverse cultural backgrounds like yours?
Advice? Oh no. I don’t think we artists need advice. We artists all know what we are doing and who we are meant to be. The only thing stopping us is ourselves. Living our art intentionally is a challenge in this world because they label us misfits and want to put us in a box with the herd, over authenticity, just because success is measured through the money you make and not by the art you put out. But it starts to change when we become the change.
Q6. Lastly, how do you like to have your whiskey? Do you have a go-to style you enjoy?
My whiskey – I like it with my friends Good music and my close friends! Neat full of ice and stirred, sipping it as I chill and break into a chorus or a banter.
