Political strife for freedom and equality led, thus, to the formation of tartit in 1995. Within months after their foundation in 1995, Tartit performed their debut concert at the MASA Trade Fair for African Arts in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. In that same year they were invited to the Festival of Women's Voices in Liege, Belgium. Tartit first toured Europe in 1998 and in 2000 they performed for the first time in North America. At the WOMAD Festival in Seattle, the group unrolled an exciting set of their own and joined fellow Malians Ali Farka Toure and Afel Bocoum on stage. They subsequently enchanted audiences at many podia, including the Festival of the Desert, where they unfolded their entrancing sounds alongside the aforementioned Malian artists and also with Tinariwen, Robert Plant, Oumou Sangare, Lo'Jo and Baba Salah. Tartit also collaborated with other musicians including the Irish singer-songwriter Susan McKeown in her album Sweet Liberty, and in compilations such as the double CD Reves d' oasis - Desert Blues 2.
Tartit released their first album, entitled Amazagh, in 1997. Their fame was, though, frimly established by Ichchila, their second album. Recorded in 2000, this opus generated a lot of positive vibes in the world press. The group has just released their third album called Abacabok, which is equally being well received.
Their songs are expressions of hope, peace and expose the power of life. To contribute actively to the development of their region, the band also formed a U.N-recognized association dedicated to preserving and raising awareness of their music and culture. The association, likewise, develops schools for children and economic opportunities for women.
The female members of the band use the traditional instruments of imzad (fiddle) and tinde (drum), supplemented by teherdent (ngoni lute) and/or electric guitar played by the men. Mingling these instruments with their chants, percussive handclaps and call-and-response patterns forms the principal ingredient of their work.
Tartit's webpage on Divanprod.com
Afous Dafous
Tartit Lyrics
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Ehafawette felnanmarha
Efelnanmarha sund awa n dia as nitad dumma dumma
Dumma Dumma
The lyrics to Tartit's song Afous Dafous are in the Tamasheq language of the Tuareg people, who are a nomadic group that inhabit the Saharan regions of North Africa. The song is an ode to the desert and the way of life of the Tuareg people. The first line, "Aitmanin id chetmanin," roughly translates to "Those who travel, those who wander." This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, which describes the beauty and harshness of the desert and the nomadic lifestyle.
The second line, "Ehafawette felnanmarha," expresses the deep connection that the Tuareg people have with the desert, which they consider to be their home. The line roughly translates to "We are inseparable from the land of our ancestors." The following lines, "Efelnanmarha sund awa n dia as nitad dumma dumma, Dumma Dumma," are a repetition of the phrase "Dumma Dumma," which is a traditional Tuareg rhythm that is played on the tinde drum. The rhythm is used to accompany storytelling, singing, and dancing, and it is an important part of Tuareg culture.
Overall, the lyrics to Afous Dafous convey a deep sense of connection to the land and the traditional way of life of the Tuareg people. They celebrate the beauty of the desert and the nomadic lifestyle, while also acknowledging the challenges and hardships that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Aitmanin id chetmanin
The people of the mountain meet together
Ehafawette felnanmarha
They greet each other with great joy
Efelnanmarha sund awa n dia as nitad dumma dumma
Their joy can be felt throughout the land, and echoes in the stillness
Dumma Dumma
It echoes and persists
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Fadimata Walet Oumar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind