Indigenous

Overview

Indigenous front man, Mato Nanji (Ma-TOE NON-gee), was born and raised on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Mato’s father, the late Greg Zephier, Sr., was a well-known and highly respected spiritual advisor and spokesperson for the International Indian Treaty Council. In addition to this leadership role, he was an accomplished musician and a member of the musical group, The Vanishing Americans. Formed by Greg and his brothers in the ‘60’s, The Vanishing Americans toured nationally and shared bills with such legends as Bonnie Raitt. Besides being heavily influenced by the music his father and uncles were making, Mato was exposed to Greg’s vast collection of blues records by legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. Consequently, Mato embraced and began utilizing his own musical talent at a young age. With the experience, love and wisdom of their father to guide them, Mato, his brother, sister and cousin formed the band Indigenous while in their late teens. With each new tour, national and international, Mato and the boys continue to attract new audiences and expand the fan base. They look forward to each opportunity to bring the music to long time fans as well as those hearing them for the first time.