Listen to Electric Pow Wow Drum

Bursting forth from Canada’s capital, native Producer/DJ crew A Tribe Called Red is making an impact on the global electronic scene with a truly unique sound. Made up of three members – two-time Canadian DMC Champion DJ Shub, DJ NDN and Bear Witness – the group has created a signature style called powwowstep, a mix of traditional pow wow vocals and drumming with cutting-edge electronic music. DJ Bear Witness doubles as the crew’s visual artist and creates stunning, political and sometimes humorous videos that incorporate film and pop culture references to native people and reclaim the aboriginal image. They’re known for creating and running the Electric Pow Wow events in Ottawa, which showcased native talent and aboriginal culture, alongside an open and wild party, and are, in a sense, the most recent evolution of the pow wow event.

Since starting out in late 2010, A Tribe Called Red has gained popularity not only within urban club scenes, but also with the youth on many native reservations. Within a couple years, they became the face of Urban Native youth renaissance, proudly championing their heritage while being on top of popular music, fashion and art. Their self-titled album was released at the end of March 2012 and got long listed for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize (Canadian response to the Mercury prize).