Don't Know What to Do

The song "Don't Know What to Do" by Indigenous, featured on the album Sharpel Records Presents: The Best of Blues Rock, is a gut-wrenching blues track that showcases the raw emotional power of frontman Mato Nanji’s guitar work and vocals. According to a review from Blues Blast Magazine, Nanji “tears at his guitar strings, bending and shaking them to within an inch of their life,” highlighting his virtuosic skill in this song. The track is part of the 2014 album Time Is Coming, released on Blues Bureau International, which Nanji dedicated to Indigenous youth and those facing challenges on reservations. In an interview, Nanji explained that the song reflects the ongoing struggles of his community, particularly the breakdown of family structures, stating, “Still to this day, the struggle continues to just live in peace… I send my heart and soul out to the indigenous children having a tough time in their lives and in their homes.” This dedication adds a layer of social commentary, making the song a poignant cry for resilience and hope.

Mato Nanji, the driving force behind Indigenous, began his musical journey on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, heavily influenced by his father, Greg Zephier, Sr., a respected musician and spiritual advisor. Zephier was part of the 1960s band The Vanishing Americans, which toured nationally and shared stages with artists like Bonnie Raitt. Nanji grew up immersed in his father’s vast blues record collection, featuring legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and B.B. King, which shaped his distinctive blues-rock style. Starting to play guitar at a young age, Nanji honed his craft alongside his siblings—brothers Pte on bass and sister Wanbdi on drums, with cousin Horse on percussion—forming the original lineup of Indigenous. Their debut album, Things We Do, released in 1998 on Pachyderm Records, earned critical acclaim and three Native American Music Awards, launching their career with performances on shows like NPR’s All Things Considered and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

Indigenous has a strong online presence where fans can connect with their music and story. Their official website, indigenousrocks.com, offers updates on tours, releases, and band history. On social media, they engage with fans through their Facebook page, sharing performance clips and personal reflections, and their Instagram account, which features behind-the-scenes moments and live show highlights. Their X account keeps followers updated with real-time posts about gigs and new music. Fans can also join the Indigenous Rocks Fans Facebook group, a community where “Zoo Freaks” and other supporters discuss the band’s music, share concert experiences, and celebrate tracks like “Don’t Know What to Do.” While no standalone fan websites were found, the band’s social media and this active Facebook group provide vibrant spaces for fan engagement.