Bombino - Agadez - 2011

 

The music of the Tuareg guitarist Omara "Bombino" Moctar perfectly represents his hometown, Agadez (Niger): located in the middle of the great Sahara desert, it was for centuries a meeting point for nomadic camel caravans. And so is Bombino's music, a meeting of sounds where his influences are cited, from Tinariwen and Ali Farka Touré to Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page.

Much of Bombino's music was born in response to the violent repression perpetrated by Nigerian government forces against the Tuareg to quell the pro-independence revolts they staged. In fact, Bombino had to go into exile for many years to escape repression. His compositions emerge from that experience and his overcoming: the powerful notes that spring from his electric guitar capture the spirit of resistance and rebellion, and recall others like Tinariwen or Ali Farka Touré.

Tribute album to his hometown, Agadez (2011), edited by Cumbancha, has been recorded in two very different locations. One was in a studio in the United States and the other includes part of a live performance in the city that gives the album its title. The songs appear mixed on the disc and it is not specified which is recorded in the comfort of a studio or in the Saharan desert, but it is enough to listen to the songs to quickly realize where each one comes from. The songs recorded in the USA show a shy and restrained Bombino, while the ones recorded live give off an electrifying energy. There are "Tar Hani", "Kammou Taliat" or "Iyat Idounia Ayasahen".

Very high level repetitive music that catches you from the beginning, in Agadez you can hear some of the most captivating riffs of today. Absolutely magical.

Tracks list:

01. Ahoulaguine Akaline (I Greet My Country)

02. Tar Hani (My Love)

03. Adounia (Life)

04. Kammou Taliat (You, My Beloved)

05. Tigrawahi Tikma (Bring Us Together)

06. Tenere (The Desert, My Home)

07. Iyat Idounia Ayasahen (Another Life)

08. Azamane (My Brothers United)

09. Assalam Felawan (Peace To You)

10. Tebsakh Dalet (A Green Acacia)