Tinariwen deliver songs of hope from a homeland in crisis

Tinariwen, a collective of Tuareg musicians from the Sahara, are releasing music that carries messages of protest, love, and hope, rooted in a tradition that has endured despite efforts to silence it. The band, formed in 1979, became popular for their unique fusion of indigenous music with guitar-driven rock, resonating with a new generation of Tuareg.

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My friend, I beg of you, go gently. We still have a country, albeit thirsty and in pain, but it will turn green again and grow new branches. There will be shade again, and beneath it we'll take our rest. An old woman and a boy came by here to implore you to come together and unite, all of you, without exception.

Their music has often been met with resistance. Secular music has faced various restrictions throughout Tinariwen's career, even being outright banned in their native Northern Mali during the 2012 occupation by Islamist militants. This context highlights music's profound power during times of displacement and conflict, serving as a call to action or a source of reassurance.

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Honestly, I'm not really positive about the future of our people. There are moments of joy, but there isn't much hope at the moment.

On their new album "Hoggar," named after the region where it was recorded, founding guitarist and vocalist Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni expresses a somber view of the future for his people. "Honestly, I'm not really positive about the future of our people," he stated. "There are moments of joy, but there isn't much hope at the moment."

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The Malian army is the biggest threat to us, the Tuaregs from the north of the country. With the help of Russian mercenaries, they attack civilians, slaughter cattle, poison wells, etc. It has become too dangerous for us to stay in the Kidal region, so we all fled to southern Algeria.

Alhousseyni detailed the current precarious situation, explaining that the Malian army, with the assistance of Russian mercenaries, poses a significant threat to Tuareg civilians in the north. These actions, including attacks on civilians and livestock, and the poisoning of wells, have forced many to flee to southern Algeria. The band recorded "Hoggar" in Tamanrasset, the capital of the Hoggar region, marking a return to recording close to their homes, a process that was both comforting and challenging due to frequent visits from friends and family.

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It's the first time in a very long time that we've recorded close to our homes. That felt great, with friends and family stopping by every day. It's just a bit harder to stay focused.