Ranky Tanky Tickets

Ranky Tanky: Bringing Gullah Culture to the Theater Stage

It’s rare for a musical group to break boundaries in terms of cultural representation and music genre – but that’s what Ranky Tanky has done since its inception in 2017. Founded in Charleston, South Carolina by five accomplished musicians, the band aims to share the rich culture of Gullah music with the world.

Gullah culture refers to the heritage and identity of African Americans who lived in the Lowcountry region, which includes parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. From the language they speak to the food they eat and the music they make, Gullah traditions have evolved over centuries and continue to thrive today.

Ranky Tanky is unique because their music is inspired by Gullah spirituals, work songs, and classic folk standards while also incorporating jazz, blues, and modern beats. The name “Ranky Tanky” actually means “Get Funky!” or “Work It!” in Gullah, reflecting the energy and enthusiasm that the group brings to their sound.

Since its formation, Ranky Tanky has achieved significant success in the music industry and has also made notable appearances in theater productions. In 2019, they were the featured performers in a theatrical adaptation of playwright August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” tells the story of a blues singer and her band during a recording session in 1920s Chicago. The play explores themes of racial inequality and exploitation in the music industry, which are issues that still resonate today.

For Ranky Tanky, performing in this production was more than just another gig. As vocalist Quiana Parler shared in an interview with Broadway World, “Being a part of August Wilson's ‘Ma Rainey's Black Bottom’ is an honor in itself, but to be selected as the musical talent for the show is inspiring. The Gullah culture has specific relevance to this story and we are humbled to represent it.”

The fact that theater producers sought out Ranky Tanky to highlight the authenticity of the Gullah sound speaks volumes about the power and importance of diverse representation in the arts. In a world where traditional Southern black music is often erased or appropriated, the success of Ranky Tanky demonstrates that audiences are ready and eager to embrace new sounds and traditions.

Looking forward, Ranky Tanky continues to make waves in the music world and beyond. They recently released their third album, “Good Time,” which features more original compositions alongside traditional Gullah songs.

In an interview with NPR, band member Charlton Singleton expressed his hope for the group’s impact on a wider scale: “We want everybody to know about Gullah music… because I feel like once people know about it, they'll appreciate it and love it just as much as we do.”

With their infectious rhythms and soulful vocals, Ranky Tanky is sure to keep delivering good times both in theaters and on the world stage.