Based in Japan and fronted by two Canadians, MONKEY MAJIK has topped the Japanese charts for more than a decade with their upbeat blend of pop, rock, and hip-hop. ∙ MONKEY MAJIK was formed in 2000 by vocalist/guitarist Maynard Plant, who’d moved to Japan to teach English and later recruited his brother Blaise to come over from Canada and join the band. ∙ The group’s name stems from “Monkey Magic,” the theme song of ’70s Japanese TV drama Saiyūki, and their 2006 hit “Around the World” was the theme of the show’s 2006 remake. ∙ Thank You, their 2006 major-label debut, hit No. 5 on the Japanese charts and went Gold, while its follow-up, 2007’s hip-hop-flavored Sorawamarude, was certified Platinum. ∙ In 2008, MONKEY MAJIK were named official Goodwill Ambassadors between Japan and Canada, and they took part in ceremonies celebrating 80 years of friendship between the two nations. ∙ They’ve recorded theme songs for several Japanese TV drama and anime series, including Fruits Basket, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, and Aishiteru: Kaiyō. ∙ To celebrate the group’s 15th anniversary, MONKEY MAJIK performed at Japan’s legendary Budokan arena in 2015.