Red Panda Tapes: The Bamboo Papers #2

Welcome to the second edition of the Red Panda Tapes Newsletter!

Hello there, pack mates!

Our last edition sought to highlight the values and convictions behind this project. Hopefully, we’ve been able to provide you all with a brief glimpse of the content and experience that we seek to curate - to put the spotlight on the many talented artists from the Eastern frontiers.

Today, we pick straight from where we left-off in the previous edition. By putting the spotlight on one of the trailblazers of the contemporary alternate music scene coming out from the East.

And it’s none other than the queen, herself - flying the hip-hop vanguard’s flag high up - straight out of the hills of Shillong, MEBA OFILIA.

Ever since, the release of her debut single titled “Done Talking”: which has won several accolades, such as, the Best Indian Act award at the MTV European Music Awards 2018; MEBA OFILIA has, in all earnest respect, become the harbinger of a new dawn of culture that is fuelled by the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the youth of the region, which remains to be fulfilled !

This, we dare say, not because of the numerous public accolades bestowed upon her, but because of the pure dedication, emotion and work that she has put on her debut album, “Untitled.shg”. The sheer amount of work, love and care with which the album has been produced: radiates throughout the entire length of it, evident in the very bare processes necessary to create such an enchanting listen. The exquisite nature, taste and arrangement of the album could only be best described in her own words, “Interlude”:

This small interlude inserted at the first part of the album, best encapsulates the vision and aesthetics captured in the album. Moreover, we believe there are a few learnings to take away from this small voice clip:

Firstly, we think that seeking discomfort enabled her to create this amazing work of art. While, MEBA OFILIA announced herself on the scene with dynamic power-packed rap verses; this album, provides the listener with a small intimate glimpse of the true grandiosity lying beneath her personality. ( On a different tangent, shoutout to the good people at Yes Theory, seekdiscomfort.com )

Secondly, we think that you need people by your side, your partners-in-crime, to look out for each other. A reference can be made to the recently released video of the title track of the aforementioned album, “Untitled.shg”. Herein, if one is mindful, one may notice the subtle ‘changing of the guard’ taking place in the Khasi hip-hop scene: the Khasi Bloodz embracing their new roles, joining the vanguard ; and, letting their protegee, MEBA OFILIA take over the hot seat!

And if, the music video of “Untitled.shg” that MEBA OFILIA just dropped, partnering up with PUMA, is anything to go by, then, we are all in for a treat!

Watch out for this space every other Friday, and join us in our journey as we strive to break the traditional norms associated with the legacy media!

So, as we continue on this journey, we'd love for you to be right there with us!

Let's build a tight-knit community where every voice is heard and celebrated. If you're as excited as we are, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and be part of the Red Panda Tapes family. Let's make some noise together.