What do Spain, France, Germany, Canada and Malta have in common? Well, were it not for Canada popping its head in, one might easily imagine some European Union issue being a potential common factor, but no. What actually links all of these countries is a band called Mana Tapu. The question you’re probably about to ask now is: “Mana who?”

I suppose having a German singing in Maltese adds to our music’s appeal

So let’s back up a little. Think of a bunch of friends whiling away their summer nights on Malta’s rocky beaches. Clear, starry sky – check; cold drinks to battle the heat – check, guitar in hand to pass the time jamming – check. All of these factors played a part in the formation of this band, which originally started out as an occasional jamming collective and evolved into what is quite possibly the most vibrant and spontaneous live act to come out of the local music scene in recent months.

The bunch of friends in question is essentially German singer-songwriter Jogy Bo, guitarist Dario Vella Catalano and bassist Frans Darmanin, Tete from Spain and French MC Pupachile. The last member to join, completing the line-up less than a year ago, was Canadian drummer Andrew McGrath. All but McGrath are present as I try to find out more about Mana Tapu, such as, where did they get such an unusual name?

“The name is a combination of two Maori words,” says Jogy. “We wanted a cool-sounding name that also had a significant meaning, and Mana Tapu has it all.”

In brief, they explain that the words represent both the connection within the band and that which they establish with their audience. “Of course, if you want to know more, we’ve posted a longer explanation on our Facebook page,” suggests Darmanin, who along with Vella represents the Maltese element in the band.

For the benefit of those who have yet to see Mana Tapu in action, let me just point out that once things kick off, there’s no stopping them, so overwhelming is the energy and charisma that oozes out of their performance. They project a particular free spirit vibe that effortlessly draws in the audience.

“I think it all stems from the fact that we started out as a jamming group,” says Vella Catalano. “Once the groove gets going, Tete and Pupachile slip in with their raps and the songs kind of find their own way. I think people find that very easy to tap into.”

Acknowledging there is an element of improvisation to their live act, they are also keen to point out that they rehearse regularly to hone their sound and build up their repertoire. “Practice is important, of course, but the way we write songs is usually a result of jamming sessions,” Darmanin explains.

Jogy feels that the energy they create all together is what makes the songs special, to which Pupachile has more to add. “I think there’s also the fact that we sing in various languages,” he says, referring to his own French input and Tete’s Spanish rap that boost the English and Maltese lyrics making up the bulk of their songs.

“I suppose that having a German singing in Maltese adds to our music’s appeal too.” It really does, and I must admit that I was totally impressed when I first saw them perform and there, out of the blue, Jogy started singing Naqra Paċenzja in plain, clear Maltese.

“I learnt Maltese mostly from my friends at work… and Maltese girls, of course,” he confesses with a cheeky grin.

Language, however, isn’t the only thing that Mana Tapu has a variety of within its ranks. “We all met through our love of reggae,” Darmanin continues. “But individually, our musical influences are all over the place.”

And when he says all over the place, he means it; from classic rock to folk and rap, to punk, funk, flamenco and Ska, Mana Tapu’s highly versatile sound is truly universal – a musical melting pot flavoured by anything and everything that crosses the band’s path and leaves an impression.

That the end result of this cross-cultural mix has struck the right chord with local audiences is evident not only in the healthy attendances Mana Tapu’s gigs pull, but also in the band’s triumph at the Rookies Battle of the Bands last year.

That particular victory has some bearing on the band’s plans for 2013. “As part of the prize, we’ll be flying to Ibiza to record an album in April,” Vella Catalano says. “Ahead of that, we recorded our debut single, Babylon Aside.”

Available as a free download for a limited period in the run-up to the Hard Rock Rising 2013 competition that the band will be taking part in later this month, the single successfully captures the band’s feel-good factor perfectly, offering a taste of the positive vibe that permeates their live gigs.

“Our main focus right now is on rehearsals for the Hard Rock gig and finishing all the songwriting before the recording of the album,” Pupachile reveals, adding that they’ll be looking forward to playing live again after they get back.

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