Formed in 1982, in strikingly unusual circumstances for a musical ensemble, Tinariwen blend ancient musical traditions with radical contemporary politics. Despite severe natural and man-made hardships, young Kel Tamashek exiles continued performing the traditional music of their Tuareg forebears in the southern Sahara while simultaneously fighting against the government of Mali.
Forced to seek an alternative to starvation and repression in drought-stricken Mali, many of these young nomads hoped to attain a better life by striking up what proved to be an uneasy alliance with Libya. The hoped-for aid in their struggle with the Mali government failed to materialize, but in the meantime some of the rebels had evolved a form of music that kept alive the music of their forefathers while simultaneously communicating radical political messages. This music is known as tishoumaren, music of the ishumar (the unemployed). Usually performed by groups of 30 and more instrumentalists and singers, tishoumaren acknowledges contemporary western music, especially rock, as well as other music forms prevalent in the Middle East, while never losing touch with the original ancient form. In some instances, players not only adapt traditional forms but also substitute modern instruments for the traditional lutes, flutes and one-string violins. The electric guitar in particular has become popular, even though circumstances demand the availability of portable generators.
The name chosen by this band, Tinariwen, means empty places, thus maintaining a further link to the vast desert regions of the southern Sahara. The musicians include Said Ag Ayad, Alhassane Ag Touhami, Eyadou Ag Leche, Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, Abdallah Ag Lamida, Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni and Bassa Walet Abdoumou.
The music itself is spare and haunting, an aural reflection of those same open spaces. The lyrics of their songs, perhaps more accurately termed sung poetry, carry outspoken political thought that draws attention not only to repression in Mali, but also to the enforced exile of many and the continuing struggle for self-determination of the Tuareg nomads. Song structures are many and varied and include elemental call-and-response patterns as well as (to western ears) discordant notes that call to mind the blue notes favoured by western blues and jazz players overlaid upon a solid four-beat rhythmic foundation that is itself uncommon to the region although compatible with much western popular music.
Tinariwen's first recordings were to cassette, sales and even possession of which carried harsh penalties in Mali and Algeria. In the early 00s, availability of albums encouraged more widespread awareness of the music and its underlying political messages.
Aghregh Medin
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Opinions battle each other
And I no longer believe in unity
I will only believe in it again if
Those opinions serve a common ideal:
That of the people from which they emanate
The lyrics of Tinariwen's song "Aghregh Medin" describe the internal conflict and struggles experienced within a community. The singer is calling upon the wisdom of the people of knowledge to mediate the conflicting opinions within their community. Despite their shared identity and heritage, there seems to be a lack of unity among the people, as their opinions and ideas are constantly in opposition.
Furthermore, the singer expresses their distrust in unity, suggesting that it can only be regained if it is in service to a common goal or ideal for the community. This implies that the community is not just struggling with differences in opinions and ideas but also with the lack of a collective vision and purpose.
Overall, "Aghregh Medin" captures the tensions within communities and the need for collective action and purpose to unify people and overcome internal struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I call upon the wisdom of the people of knowledge
I seek guidance from those who have acquired knowledge through experience and education.
Opinions battle each other
Different beliefs and ideas clash with one another, causing conflict and disagreement.
And I no longer believe in unity
I have lost faith in the idea of a harmonious and cooperative society.
I will only believe in it again if
I am willing to reconsider my stance on unity, but only under specific conditions.
Those opinions serve a common ideal:
A collective goal or purpose must be shared by those with differing opinions.
That of the people from which they emanate
This shared goal must ultimately benefit and reflect the values of the community or group in question.
Writer(s): Touhami Ag Alhassane
Contributed by Bailey V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jacintaoregan9500
I loved the album from start to finish, so different, I loved it. Ann Mc
@connieweiss376
Every song on this album was a delight, the guitars and drums, fantic, the signing awsome.😘 love this. Great talent. A real treasure. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💜❤♥🐱
@adolfomenagonzalez1263
So I've seen you comment on multiple tinariwen videos. Love your taste in music.
@lacostpetro8374
نحن الطوارق لانستعرفوا ب الحدود التي فرضها الفرنسيون
@theillest777
شرح لي الكلمات بليز خويا
@souilekwissal4704
Could someone who understand the language write the lyrics ♥️
@user-ro8nd7wb3e
mind travels...
@user-nc7xy7jr8r
كل الصحراء موطني وليس هناك شي اسمه حدود نحن ا نعترف بهده الحدود التي وظعتها امكم فرنسا
@theillest777
ممكن شرح الكلمات