Shanti Powa are a nine-piece collective from South Tyrol, Italy, bringing together musicians from a wide range of backgrounds since 2010. What unites them is a sound that effortlessly crosses boundaries: reggae meets funk, hip-hop merges with dub — organic, danceable, and full of energy.
The band’s story began far away from conventional stages: in a barn converted into a rehearsal space in the heart of the Dolomites. Out of improvised jam sessions, SHANTI POWA gradually evolved into one of South Tyrol’s most versatile and captivating live acts.
Four studio albums laid the foundation for a repertoire the band now delivers with remarkable confidence and ease — on extensive European tours and at international festivals such as Rototom Sunsplash, Jazzfestival Saalfelden, and Concertone del Primo Maggio, one of Europe’s largest free open-air concerts. Performances in England and the United States have also helped the band build a steadily growing international fanbase.
With their new single “Open The Gates,” SHANTI POWA reveal their most accessible and euphoric side to date. Although the lyrics originate from an earlier creative period, they resonate today with renewed urgency. At the heart of the song are themes of unity, social inequality, and resistance against injustice — driven by the belief that change is always possible.
A mature, unexpectedly pop-oriented sound, female backing vocals, and an instantly catchy hook carry the message directly and without compromise.
“Open The Gates” follows the 2024 single “Box” featuring Herbert Pixner and marks the beginning of the band’s fifth studio album, set for release in 2026. The release is accompanied by an 80-minute documentary by an acclaimed journalist and filmmaker, capturing both the making of the album and the band’s dynamic live energy. The documentary will be distributed internationally following the album release.
