Bound by Rastafari beliefs and the medicinal properties of marijuana, the Tribe of Cannabisity is set to introduce Jamaica to its brand of eclectic music.

Need Ganja is the trio’s debut single slated to be released at the end of March on the Mockingbird Production Studio label. The launch is earmarked for Skyline Levels in Jacks Hills, St Andrew.

Need Ganja will be the first single from the 10-song album Ganjafied, which the trio escribes as “organic melodies”.

“The public is complaining about a shortage of conscious music, so we are here to fill that void. We have come to promote consciousness, while enlightening and inspiring those who listen to our music,” Michael “Bongo” Haggigal, percussionist and guitarist, told the Jamaica Observer.

“All the songs from Ganjafied will be about cannabis, it’s value and purposes that go beyond smoking,” he continued.

In 2015, ganja was decriminalised in Jamaica.

In addition to Haggigal, Tribe of Cannabisity comprises Kamaria “Sensi” DeSouza, vocalist and lead guitarist, and Shamara “Sativa” Wright on lead vocals and rhythm guitar.

According to Haggigal, the three were part of the Medical Marijuana Growers Group in Manchester and attended the High Time Cannabis Cup in 2015.

“We were at our booth playing music and singing, when guests began complimenting us and asked if we were performers. That encouraged us to continue,” said the St Jago High alumnus.

The gigs began coming. ‘The Tribe’ played at several venues, including Island Village in Ocho Rios, as well as The Moxon Beach Club and Golden Clouds Villa in St Mary.

“We met up with British producer Derrick Tipper, who lives in Australia and began working on the EP in 2019 in Kingston, but it was put on hold because of the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Haggigal.

The percussionist was quick to point out that not all the group’s music was about marijuana.

“Our main themes include Jamaican culture and Rastafari,” he added.