They're bringing a unique sound to Malta.
ManaTapu / Facebook
Local bands are on the rise, and with new sounds hitting the island at a fast pace, I like to keep an eye out for those hard-working crews who burn the midnight oil to make their passion a reality.
I’ve been following ManaTapu for a good five years, discovering their sound at the yearly Earth Garden Festival back in 2013. Throughout the years; I’ve followed them from gig to concert to album launch, and have even had the VIP treatment, where I was invited to sit in on a full-house band rehearsal - a private gig of sorts that served as taster for their upcoming tracks.
Knowing all the lyrics to the songs, identifying the change in tempo and jamming out to your very own private gig doesn’t necessarily mean all details are shared and known by even the biggest of fans, so sometimes, a few cheeky questions need to be posed. So here, for those who are familiar with them as well as those who've never heard of ManaTapu before, is some quirky info on this Maltese band with international flavour.
Jogy
Frontman aka The Dude
Dream job when you were a kid?
I always wanted to be a professional footballer and play for Germany, but being part of the ManaTapu family is cool too.
Favourite hangout?
Ta' Fra Ben, that's where we met, so it's a very special place for me.
Worst habit?
Hmmmm, been thinking about it for two hours, but it’s still chocolate.
Local musicians to follow this summer?
Daniel Maherelo and Mat Rosales, can’t wait to see what these guys come up with.
Perfect summer day?
Camping at L-Ahrax, waking up at sunrise, chilling by a bbq and bonfire with an epic jamming session to follow.
Pupachile
MC and Crowd Mover
Favourite hangout?
My studio. My home. My kitchen.
Dream job when you were a kid?
I didn’t really have a dream job, I just always loved music. I devoted so much time to music in the DJ and MC scene that it became my passion, and eventually, my job.
Favourite Maltese dish?
You would think it’s pastizzi or timpana but it’s got to be lampuki, fried and topped with sauce and a side of fresh veggies. You have to try it.
Favourite song from the TuaTara album?
It has to be Tanto Tiempo. Love the way it makes the crowd move.
Local musicians to look out for this summer?
Definitely Tribali, with Nik killing it on the didgeridoo.
Tete
Aka Camacho Criminal
Favourite Maltese dish?
Easy choice - Rabbit with pasta, my Maltese favourite.
Favourite hangout?
I’ve got two, sometimes Happy Dayz and sometimes Zion.
Favourite song from the TuaTara album?
Ehhh, can’t choose one. Psycho Days and Tanto Tiempo are my top picks.
Local musicians to follow this summer?
I’m really looking forward to seeing what The Riffs get up to this summer.
Dream job when you were a kid?
Like Ryzz and Aaron, I wanted to become an archaeologist - maybe in another life.
Dario
Lead guitarist and rhythm maker
Favourite Maltese dish?
Stuffat tal-Fenek (rabbit stew) on pasta with a mountain of parmesan.
Worst habit?
Thinking I can divide my time perfectly to fit all my errands, meetings and to-dos in one day but never managing to do it.
First album bought?
Garage Album by Metallica.
Dream job when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a lawyer or an architect, but I couldn’t ever imagine myself wearing a suit so I changed my mind.
Perfect summer day?
I’d start my day in nature, walking through the trees with an acoustic guitar and notepad close by. When the sun becomes unbearable - a trip to a secluded beach to cool down. Some beers and a bbq with those pink sausages and good halloumi burgers to end the day.
Aaron
The bassist with the hat
Favourite Maltese dish?
I think I’d go for the traditional hobz biz-zejt.
Dream job when you were a kid?
There were always two at the top of my list: archaeologist and musician. At least one of them came true.
Worst habit?
Saying sorry for no reason at all. Don’t know why I do this. Sorry.
Favourite song from the TuaTara album?
I think it’s got to be The Dude. This was the first song I composed the bass line for - it holds a very special moment with ManaTapu for me.
Favourite hangout?
Any beach with good company; either family or friends, but there has to be a bbq.
Ryzz
Drummer and newest member
Favourite Maltese dish?
Pulpetti tan-nanna. No question about it.
Worst habit?
I’m really aware of this but I can’t stop doing it… bumming cigarettes. Oops.
Favourite song from the TuaTara album?
Hmmm, this one’s difficult but I’m really fond of The Dude.
Local musicians to follow this summer?
Brodu. Love their sound, looking forward to following them this summer.
Perfect summer day?
Somewhere along the Maltese coastline, exploring hidden caves and finding treasure. Arrgh!
The ManaTapu family
ManaTapu started off from nothing but they were always family. When asked to talk about their favourite band members; they couldn’t tear the family apart!
Aaron: Every member is special, it’s really hard to decide. We are a family, ManaTapu is all of us and ManaTapu is my favourite.
Tete: We are one. We are family.
Dario: We are one team and one family.
Every year, the ManaTapu family grows bigger, and 2018 is no exception; with their following on Facebook growing and an ever larger crowd attending live gigs following their recent album launch in May, these boys are aiming for the stars and there’s no stopping them. See if you can catch them in Malta this summer!