Tahabort
Imarhan Lyrics

The Imarhan’s song “Tahabort” is a beautiful piece of Tuareg music, rich in cultural and emotional depth. The lyrics are sung in Tamashek, a Berber language spoken in Niger, Mali, Algeria, and Libya, among other countries. The song's words describe the struggles and hardships of life in the desert, where resources are scarce, and people must rely on each other for survival. “Baddu baddu megh anbbàris” means "the wind is blowing strong and hard," illustrating the harshness of the environment. The lyrics go on to describe a woman who is searching for water for her family, but the well is dry, and she must make the grueling journey to another oasis. The words, “wa n-tahàbort har ehànghàs,” translate to "and Tahabort is where she belongs," mentioning the name of the woman and the community that would be her home. The song conveys a deep sense of longing for a better life and a place to call home.

The lyrics of the song also speak to the strong sense of community and support that exists in Tuareg culture. Despite the challenges faced by the people living in the desert, they come together to help one another, offering solace and companionship in the face of adversity. This is expressed in the line, “han-t ayitma lanen àssas,” which means, "we are all in this together."