OMBIIGIZI Share Second Single, “Ziibi”

Last month, OMBIIGIZI, the project of Canadian duo Adam Sturgeon (Status/Non-Status) and Daniel Monkman (Zoon), shared their first single of 2024, “Connecting.” Today, they share their newest electrifying single, “Ziibi.”

“Ziibi” is the apex of the raw, exultant harmony in the DNA of OMBIIGIZI, moccasin gaze band of Zoon & Status/Non-Status. Translating to ‘river’ in Anishinaabe, “Ziibi” pays homage to the power of the elements. “Scared to leave / what is a reservation,” they sing over layered acoustic guitars that accrue to electric, emotional heights in a timeless chorus. A cultural expression through noise, OMBIIGIZI explores the idea that Indigenous people have not been given a choice in how to define themselves.

Daniel Monkman (Zoon) discusses how he “wrote ‘Ziibi’ about the Red River that flows through Manitoba. It’s a very long river all the way from the Mississippi. I grew up along the shore of that river looking into it. Watching as it would swallow up all our bikes and skateboards. My first realization of how powerful the elements are,” Adding that, “The river teaches us”

Part of this renaissance is the band OMBIIGIZI, pronounced om-BEE-ga-ZAY, meaning “this is noisy.” They are a poignant fusion of the distinct heritages and musical structures of Anishinaabe artists Daniel Monkman and Adam Sturgeon. The Canadian duo infuse their passionate and perceptive art rock with the rich storytelling traditions of their families. The Anishinaabe musical revolution is deeply layered and far-reaching, inspiring and influencing all generations to gather, sing, and speak as they have always done – but in a modern context. OMBIIGIZI’s sophomore album is anticipated to arrive in late 2024.

OMBIIGIZI “Ziibi” single artwork