(From left to right) Ayaan Ali Bangash, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ajay Prasanna feature on Gorillaz’ new song “The Manifesto.” Photos: Courtesy of the artist, Mahindra Kabira Festival 2019
When Gorillaz dropped the second single “The Manifesto” from their India-themed album The Mountain earlier this month, there were finally more conspicuously Indian music elements, even if Argentinian rapper Trueno and the late Proof from rap group D12 trade bars across its seven-minute runtime.
In fact, this uncharacteristically lengthy, reflective, and existential Gorillaz song features sarod masters Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, flautist Ajay Prasanna, the brass section of the Jea Band Jaipur (whom Gorillaz drummer Russel Hobbs is seen repping in the artwork), a choir led by vocalist Vijayaa Shanker, and tabla and percussion by Bharat Singh and Viraj Archarya, respectively.
Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali shared notes from their experience of recording with co-founders Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, “It was a delightful surprise and a true pleasure to record for Gorillaz on their new album, The Mountain. We recorded our parts during a full-day session in Mumbai, and the energy in the studio was electric, allowing us to freely explore and flow with Damon and Jamie’s musical ideas.”
The duo, who have also worked with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh on a three-track EP called Prayers featuring sarod legend Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (their father), hail working on The Mountain as an “incredible honor.” The duo add in their statement, “Despite their global fame, Damon and the team remain open, curious, and committed to evolving musically […] We really hope that this is the start of many more collaborations with them and also of live performances together.”
Pandit Ajay Prasanna, equally well-traveled in terms of global collaborations and a three-time Grammy nominee, calls “The Manifesto” an “absolutely fresh” track that blended Western and Indian music elements “effortlessly.” He adds in his statement, “The moments of listening and making music, playing my parts as per the band’s vision, were musically extremely satisfying for me!”
Initially recording in New Delhi, Prasanna says he felt an “emotional connection” right from the first session. He adds, “They called me to Mumbai after a few months to record more parts, and yet again, I played along as they smiled with tears of joy. I will cherish these initial recording memories forever!”
Calling the collaboration “extremely rare,” the seasoned flautist also chose to play raga Dhani and raga Malkauns in “The Manifesto.” Prasanna was also part of the secret show in London where Gorillaz first previewed all the songs from The Mountain album. “My excitement knew no bounds, and it was extremely thrilling to play with the band and some of the best musicians from all over the world. I am gearing up for our upcoming tours as well, and I am so looking forward to it,” he adds.
Gorillaz have so far announced several summer festival dates across Europe. With an India-based concept storyline and musical aesthetic, fans are hoping Albarn and co. will finally make their long-anticipated India debut concert as well.
Prasanna will also be heard on forthcoming songs from The Mountain like “The Shadowy Light” (also featuring the Bangash brothers and singing legend Asha Bhosle), “The Sweet Prince” (alongside sitarist-composer Anoushka Shankar and Irish rock hero Johnny Marr), and “The Sad God” (also with Marr, Shankar and rapper Black Thought).
Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, for their part, also feature on the title track, among others. The Mountain has also listed Indian-origin artist Asha Puthli on a track called “The Moon Cave.” The Mountain will release on Mar. 20, 2026, with more singles coming up.
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