Musical trio Malayali Monkeys on finding their space in Malayalam indie music scene

The masked indie music group Malayali Monkeys talk about their songs and creating unconventional content

Malayali Monkeys burst into the Malayalam indie music scene last year wearing masks that resemble monkeys. They have not revealed their names or faces so far, but have created a flutter with their quirky songs.

After their first song ‘Oombalum kanjiyum’ went viral, they sang ‘Mathapithakkale maappu’ with MC Couper in Fahadh Faasil’s Aavesham. A few days ago their second single, ‘Ookku’, was released.

Raw and bold lyrics, unconventional singing and out-of-the-box music videos have won them several fans, in spite of certain terms in their songs courting controversy.

The group admits that their songs have landed them in trouble. “We understand why they are upset. Thankfully there is a generation that connects with our work. When we write the lyrics it is like conversing with a friend and it is not meant to hurt anybody. Our songs are the escape route for us from our sorrows and troubles. We are happy that at least a few people understand what we are trying to convey.”

Both ‘Oombalum kanjiyum’ and ‘Ookku’ are inspired by their personal struggles, say the musicians. “Success is hard to come by for indie musicians and we have experienced that. The turning point was when one of us had a college reunion and we joined him. Once everyone dispersed, we realised that we were penniless. We approached a few friends for help but to no avail. The song ‘Oombalum kanjiyum’, which means totally broke, screwed up, was born out of that desperate situation,” he says.

The song was ready in 45 minutes. The musicians say that creating the song brought them relief. “The track was circulated among our friends and a few wannabe directors in the group wanted to make a music video out of it. That’s how the idea to make the music video was born,” the musician says.

The USP of the viral video directed by Basil Prasad was that the three lead actors were in prosthetic make-up. The song, which bagged the second spot on Spotify India’s ‘Viral India’ playlist in 2023, was selected for screening in the music video category at the 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala held this July.