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.