Tom Murmu: Reclaiming Tribal Identity Through Contemporary Music

A Voice Rooted in Relevance

In an era where mainstream culture often drowns out indigenous traditions, Santali musician and artist Tom Murmu has emerged as a defining voice of resilience and creativity. His session at Tribal Futures Fest 2.0 reflected not only his personal journey but also the larger urgency of preserving tribal identity through contemporary art forms.

The Underrated Voice

Though celebrated on digital platforms, Murmu remains overlooked in India’s mainstream music industry. His creative journey reveals how tribal musicians are carving new spaces in the cultural landscape, often without the recognition they deserve.

Breaking the Narrative

Murmu is redefining the conversation around tribal music. At a time when Santali albums were losing originality under outside influences, he innovated by blending traditional melodies with modern rhythms. This approach struck a chord with audiences, drawing hundreds of thousands of YouTube followers and signaling a renewed appreciation for indigenous soundscapes.

Rooted in Identity

Murmu credits his Santali upbringing and literary family background—his grandfather and father both acclaimed writers—as the foundation of his songwriting. It is this grounding that makes his music not just entertainment but a declaration of identity.

“Adivasis are often stereotyped as primitive. Through my music, I want to show we are the first inhabitants of this land — dignified, creative, and modern.” — Tom Murmu

Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Songs like Coca Cola use modern metaphors—an Audi car, the iconic drink—while remaining anchored in Santali Dasai traditions. Such compositions challenge the stereotype of tribal creators as outdated, instead presenting them as dynamic voices in contemporary art.

Challenging Stereotypes

Murmu has also been outspoken about the portrayal of women in music, urging for sensitivity in lyrics and visuals. “My songs give young people a perspective that music can be excellent, rhythmic, and visually engaging without resorting to obscenity,” he said. His balanced approach ensures that his art resonates across generations.

A Living Legacy

Carrying forward a literary lineage, Murmu continues to transform storytelling into music. His songs like Adivasi Anthem, created in collaboration with rapper Blaze and Mr. Tribe, stand as milestones in reclaiming dignity and asserting indigenous pride through bilingual expression.

Context of the Talk

This special session with Tom Murmu took place on the 17th day of Tribal Futures Fest 2.0, originally scheduled for 4 August 2025 but postponed to 17 August following the demise of Shibu Soren, Jharkhand’s former Chief Minister and a revered tribal leader. The session was hosted by Swati Sushma Lakra, an architect from the Oraon tribe.

Tribal Futures Fest 2.0 is the second edition of a 31-day online festival organised by the Tribal Design Forum, India’s only community of multidisciplinary designers and creative professionals from tribal communities across the country.

Community Lens

Murmu’s journey reflects a wider resurgence of indigenous imagination across India. By weaving Santali traditions into global musical languages, he represents a new generation of tribal creators who are not only preserving identity but also reshaping how the world perceives it.