Omkar Salunkhe's New Instrumental Track Captures the Spirit of the Maasai

Omkar Salunkhe's 'Land of Maasai' blends percussion and tribal chants, celebrating indigenous spirit through rhythmic storytelling.

- NOOR ANAND CHAWLA

Many would argue that music has the power to transport the listener to lands far away, on journeys difficult to physically undertake. Perhaps this is the inspiration behind 'Land of Maasai - A Sonic Journey', a new instrumental track by talented young musician Omkar Salunkhe. Released on August 9, 2025, it's a good example of world music that channels the spirit of the vast Maasai landscape in Kenya in the distant continent of Africa.

The independently released number boasts an upbeat tempo that brings the savannah wilderness of southwestern Kenya alive. One can picture in their mind's eye, plenty of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos while the hooves of migrating wildebeest traversing the plains during their annual migration, provide musical heft. The songs and instruments of the Maasai people too feature prominently.

Salunkhe is a Mumbai-based percussionist, rhythm arranger and producer. He has embarked on a new journey with his latest single 'Land of Maasai', and hopes to make a splash with the peppy number. "It released on August 9, 2025—a date that carries double significance, as it is World Indigenous Peoples' Day and the birthday of my Guru, Ustad Taufiq Qureshi," he smiles.