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.
Arawan
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tamanghassat, Ingall
Ikallan 'n muhagh
Ikallan 'n mujar
Ikallan 'n shinkad
Ikallan 'n tilyaden
Ti'knanen tihussay
Tamanrasset ingall
The lyrics to Tinariwen's song Arawan are referring to various cities in Mali and Algeria that have played a significant role in the history of the Tuareg people. The mention of Agadez, Kidal, Tamanghassat, Ingall, and Tamanrasset all show a sense of longing and connection to these places. The lyrics are written in Tamasheq, the language of the Tuareg people.
The use of the phrase "Ikallan 'n" before several of the city names is particularly interesting. It translates to "the land of" in Tamasheq, which shows the deep reverence that Tinariwen has for these places. The mention of "muhagh," "mujar," "shinkad," and "tilyaden" are also significant, as they are all sub-groups within the Tuareg people.
Overall, the lyrics to Arawan are a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Tuareg people and a longing to return to their roots in these important cities. It's a powerful and emotional tribute to a way of life that has been threatened by modernization and political unrest.
Line by Line Meaning
Agadez, Kidal, Tamanghassat, Ingall
These are the names of places in the Sahara region where the Tuareg people reside.
Ikallan 'n muhagh
This means 'children/generation of the Tuareg people'.
Ikallan 'n mujar
This means 'children/generation of resistance' or 'rebel children/generation'.
Ikallan 'n shinkad
This means 'children/generation of the cliff/desert lions' referring to the Tuareg's identity as nomadic desert warriors.
Ikallan 'n tilyaden
This means 'children/generation of those who work with metal' and refers to the Tuareg's reputation for being skilled blacksmiths.
Ti'knanen tihussay
This line is a call to unity and translates to 'Let us unite and all hold hands'.
Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseini Copyright: Emma Productions S.a.r.l.
Contributed by Maya I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gonutritiondz
Le Refrain de Arawan
Agadez, Kidal,
Tamanghassat, Ingall
Ikallan 'n muhagh
Ikallan 'n shinkad
Ikallan 'n mujar
Ikallan 'n tilyaden
Ti'knanen tihussay
Agadez, Kidal
Tamanrasset ingall
C'est un plaisir de les écouter
@MayElya1
i found this on net in english
The world is in flight
Nobody cares about
The peopleof the desert who are suffering from thirst
So what mysteries
Make the water flow so abundantly in their city
And even more so in their fields
Foregoing absence
I've found only the remains of the camp
The rain erased the traces of your departure
My head is astounded
Because I'm without knowledge
Stuck in the mud
Up to my camel's knees
I'm like the mother camel
Who's looking for her little ones
@MrArthurseven
The french verse says:
Aujourd’hui je suis là mais demain je ne sais pas
Parce que la vie c’est comme ça
Parce que la vie c’est comme ça
Les enfants de chez moi
Ils sont forts ... ???
I can't really understand the last words. English translation would sound like:
Today I am here but tomorrow I don't know
Because that's the way life is
Because that's the way life is
Our children
Are strong ???
@annepoitrineau5650
30 seconds in and my heartbeat is the beat of the drum. Africa was our past, it is our future...
@honolulu003
Forget european & american Rap & HipHop......- Tinariwen IS IT !!!! ;-)
@hugobaptista9170
very good music made in Malí
@mariamalhashmi9164
@@hugobaptista9170made in azapad not made in mali 🫡🤍
@marwa12mima20
@@hugobaptista9170 Hello, three years after your comment😅 The song is not from Mali♡ it is from the desert of Algeria, specifically Tamangast♥︎
@marcelosantanna8726
I Discovery this group in spotify and I think his sound is great
@gonutritiondz
Le Refrain de Arawan
Agadez, Kidal,
Tamanghassat, Ingall
Ikallan 'n muhagh
Ikallan 'n shinkad
Ikallan 'n mujar
Ikallan 'n tilyaden
Ti'knanen tihussay
Agadez, Kidal
Tamanrasset ingall
C'est un plaisir de les écouter
@imadbihich6419
appelstoreggae خويا شي ترجمة للكلمات؟؟
@mezianeyakhou7708
@@imadbihich6419 اكادز،كيدال، تامنغاست، انكال، أراضي اموهاغ(أمازيغ الطوارق) ، أراضي الغزلان، أراضي البنات الجميلات
@imadbihich6419
@@mezianeyakhou7708 شكرا جزيلا