Mahout (IT)

Mahout formed in Pinerolo, a small town in northwest Italy historically impregnated with a strong reggae and punk vibe, which has been the birthplace of Italy's first and most relevant reggae band Africa Unite, as well as of one of the most short-lived yet most intense Italian punk experience, Fichissimi. Growing up in such a context, Mahout teamed up with the precise intention of merging Jamaican reggae with various other influences ranging from Californian punk, to garage rock, to funk. The outcome is a fresh and personal sound, hard to be labelled as a specific genre, as it constantly sways between black softness and white harshness. After having cut their teeth with a fair amount of local gigs, the band releases its first EP Streetwise Demo. The record meets an unexpected success and allows Mahout to go on their first tour playing big festivals throughout Italy, opening for artists the likes of Lee Scratch Perry, Max Romeo, Alborosie, Luciano, Morgan Heritage, The Skints, The Bluebeaters, Busy Signal, Giuda and many more.

In November 2023, Mahout released their first full-length record, My Heart Is A Stoner (La Tempesta Dub/Believe Italia). The album is produced by Marco Benz Gentile (Africa Unite, Dave Hillyard & the Rocksteady7, Architorti, Fire), a longtime militant in the Italian and international musical scene - both as musician and producer, and features internationally renowned artists such as Larry McDonald (Gil Scott-Heron, Lee Scratch Perry, The Skatalites, Toots & the Maytals) and Peter Truffa (New York Ska Jazz Ensemble, Giuliano Palma &The Bluebeaters).

In February 2024, the band released the single Pam Pam: the song features artist Soom T, a Scottish Mc of Indian descent, who wrote and sang the second verse.