A Tribe Called Red is a Canadian electronic music group that blends instrumental hip hop, and reggae influenced dance music with elements of First Nations’ music, particularly vocal chanting and drumming. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, the group consists of three DJs, Ian “DJ NDN” Campeau, Dan “DJ Shub” General and Bear Witness, and describes its music as “powwow-step,” a style of contemporary powwow music for urban First Nations in the dance club scene.

After releasing a number of tracks online and DJing at various dance and aboriginal events, the band released their self-titled debut album as a free internet download in 2012. The album was named as a long-listed nominee for the 2012 Polaris Music Prize on June 14, 2012.

While hitting on heavy issues with an acute, eloquent sense of history, the results are never heavy handed. There’s no soapbox, just perfectly timed beats and images. “When we bring this into the clubs, we’re taking these political messages and hiding them. We’re going to hit you when you want to party; your back is down, you’re not looking for a fight,” Bear says. “Instead of pointing a finger and saying you’re wrong, I want to lead people to recognize things that are systemically racist. It’s more powerful when you can help someone find that answer in their own life and experience.”

A Tribe Called Red will be appearing at the Casbah on Sunday, April 21 at 2501 Kettner Blvd. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $10 advance and $12 the day of the show. For sounds samples of A Tribe Called Red, and to download their 2012 album, go to www.electricpowwow.com.