African Roots and Rhythms: Terakaft (Tuareg)

Another short article due to the lack of information available. It’s a real shame because this is such a great band. All this to say that this particular piece will be short on words, but full of great music. Despite having only two guitars, a bass and drums, their sound is lush.

pastdaily.com

The band’s name means “caravan” in Tamasheq. The band was formed in 2001 when Diara and Kedou of Tinariwen left after playing with them for twenty years, and joined Diara’s nephew Sanou in his new band. The members of the band were eventually driven out of their home base in northern Mali by Islamist extremists and lived in Algeria for a time.

walkzine.com

Their songs reflect Tuareg life. They sing about exile, travels in the desert and the fight for a homeland of their own (Azawad). According to Diara in the book that accompanies their Jagwar release, it is “a world made of light, dust, goats, tree shadows, gas, tea and fire…where teenagers don’t dream of being footballers but guitarists.”

Nadia Nid El Mourid

I LOVE this song. It makes me happy every time I hear it. The guitar is outstanding.

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Two great tunes from their Aratan N Azawad release.

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Here’s an interesting video about the band.

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