Bombino (Niger)

Omara “Bombino” Moctar was born in 1980 in Tidene, a desert community northeast of Agadez in northern Niger. He spent his childhood moving between Niger, Algeria and Libya as drought and conflict pushed many Tuareg families into exile. He taught himself guitar during these years and later learned from Tuareg players he met on the road. His breakout came with the 2011 Cumbancha album Agadez, which introduced his music to listeners around the world and established him as one of the most prominent contemporary Tuareg artists. He has collaborated with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, opened for Robert Plant and recorded with Keith Richards among others.

Featured Song:

“Ahoulaguine Akaline” (I Greet My Country) is Bombino’s reinterpretation of a song first popularized by the Tuareg guitarist Intayaden, who wrote it while exiled during the 1973 drought. “I greet my country where I left my parents / I greet my country / I greet my country where I left my love.” Its steady, cyclical groove mirrors the reflective tone of the words and the sense of connection many Tuareg people feel across borders.

Artist Website

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