Mariah Gannessa, born and raised in Northern California and currently residing in Cundinamarca, Colombia, has spent the last decade immersed in the healing cultures of the Amazon and has dedicated her life’s work to the plants and indigenous peoples of the rainforest. Inspired by her many years of apprenticeship deep in study and service with the Inga tribe of Putumayo and working intimately with them to preserve and share their traditions, Mariah found her voice in ceremony.
‘Munay” is her artistic debut, featuring 11 original songs, each a deep prayer, weaving together lyrics in Spanish, English and the indigenous Inga language. The compositions feature a colorful collection of traditional folkloric instruments of South America including a wide range of wind instruments with soft and rustic natural percussion of rattles, seeds and skins. Mariah’s warm and delicate vocals weave together with rich strings of charango, guitar and upright bass. Inspired by her ceremonial healing journey with Yagé, where she experienced profound spiritual transformation, “Munay” invites us on a journey back to the heart, reclaiming what it means to live in harmony with nature.
