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.
Arhegh ad annagh
Tinariwen Lyrics
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Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
Tarha nadjodegh toullah D-iyllal safal titaked hakiba iehal
Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
Maraou watyan nak aligh hifall tarha N-manin bass edtamer
Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
Agzanaqen nahidtazger tidet talligh bass itaffar
Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
The lyrics to Tinariwen's "Arhegh ad annàgh" describe the struggles of the Imazighen people (also known as Berbers) in the face of oppression and displacement. The refrain, "Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen" translates to "I call on the rebellious youth, come together." The verses describe various scenes of hardship and loss, but also express a sense of unity and determination to resist.
One line, "Tarha nadjodegh toullah D-iyllal safal titaked hakiba iehal," refers to a desert landscape where water is scarce, but despite this difficulty, the Imazighen have maintained their way of life. "N-manin bass edtamer" describes a group of people who have settled in a city, but still long for their desert homeland.
The song reflects the band's own experiences as Tuareg musicians who were forced to flee their homes in Mali due to political conflict. It also speaks to a larger history of colonization and oppression faced by the Imazighen people in North Africa. Through their music, Tinariwen portrays the resilience and resistance of the Imazighen people, and calls for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Interesting facts about "Arhegh ad annàgh":
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
We are setting out with our brothers, on a long journey filled with hardships and difficulties.
Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
We are setting out with our brothers, on a long journey filled with hardships and difficulties.
Tarha nadjodegh toullah D-iyllal safal titaked hakiba iehal
We are traveling across the desert to reach a sacred place where we will find peace and refuge.
Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
We are setting out with our brothers, on a long journey filled with hardships and difficulties.
Maraou watyan nak aligh hifall tarha N-manin bass edtamer
As we journey, we are reminded of our loved ones who were left behind, and we carry their memories with us as we continue on.
Arhegh ad annàgh imidewan widtidawegh, djigh esdiwen
We are setting out with our brothers, on a long journey filled with hardships and difficulties.
Agzanaqen nahidtazger tidet talligh bass itaffar
We face many challenges along the way, but we persevere and continue forward towards our destination.
Writer(s): Ibrahim Ag Alhabib
Contributed by Aiden S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pradeep Poonia
LYRICS
Arhegh ad ànnàgh imidiwàn
Wi dàr tidawàgh ad dàr djegh isdiwàn
Chorus
Tàrha n-idjodàgh
Tolàh d-eylàl
S-afàl tin-tikked
Ad hak iba e-ihàl
Chorus
Màràw iwityan-nàkk a legh id hid tifàl
Tàrha n-iman-in ibas hid tammàr
Chorus
Iksànaqqàm diha-hid tizzdjàr
Tidit ta-legh ibas e-tiffàr
Chorus
Friends, every day companions
I want to tell you this:
Love these days is like a mirage.
It gets fainter the closer you get.
For ten longs years,
I lost my one true love.
Love no longer crosses my path.
Truth, how I hate you
When you emerge from me.
My truth will no longer be hidden.
S S
Lyrics
Friends, every day companions
I want to tell you this:
Love these days is like a mirage.
It gets fainter the closer you get.
For ten longs years,
I lost my one true love.
Love no longer crosses my path.
Truth, how I hate you
When you emerge from me.
My truth will no longer be hidden.
Maouloud AL ANSARY
Arhegh ad ànnàgh imidiwàn
Wi dàr tidawàgh ad dàr djegh isdiwàn
Chorus
Tàrha n-idjodàgh
Tolàh d-eylàl
S-afàl tin-tikked
Ad hak iba e-ihàl
Chorus
Màràw iwityan-nàkk a legh id hid tifàl
Tàrha n-iman-in ibas hid tammàr
Chorus
Iksànaqqàm diha-hid tizzdjàr
Tidit ta-legh ibas e-tiffàr
Chorus
Friends, every day companions
I want to tell you this:
Love these days is like a mirage.
It gets fainter the closer you get.
For ten longs years,
I lost my one true love.
Love no longer crosses my path.
Truth, how I hate you
When you emerge from me.
My truth will no longer be hidden.
Pradeep Poonia
LYRICS
Arhegh ad ànnàgh imidiwàn
Wi dàr tidawàgh ad dàr djegh isdiwàn
Chorus
Tàrha n-idjodàgh
Tolàh d-eylàl
S-afàl tin-tikked
Ad hak iba e-ihàl
Chorus
Màràw iwityan-nàkk a legh id hid tifàl
Tàrha n-iman-in ibas hid tammàr
Chorus
Iksànaqqàm diha-hid tizzdjàr
Tidit ta-legh ibas e-tiffàr
Chorus
Friends, every day companions
I want to tell you this:
Love these days is like a mirage.
It gets fainter the closer you get.
For ten longs years,
I lost my one true love.
Love no longer crosses my path.
Truth, how I hate you
When you emerge from me.
My truth will no longer be hidden.
S S
Lyrics
Friends, every day companions
I want to tell you this:
Love these days is like a mirage.
It gets fainter the closer you get.
For ten longs years,
I lost my one true love.
Love no longer crosses my path.
Truth, how I hate you
When you emerge from me.
My truth will no longer be hidden.
Omar
شكرا تيناروين امضيت معكم ايام جميله اثناء فترة الحجر الصحي ❤️
bakus sahraoui
tinariwen group only give what is beautiful and their guitar music takes me where I want, it's a pleasure to understand the lyrics, thank you , this blues make me fly in the sky
Maouloud AL ANSARY
Arhegh ad ànnàgh imidiwàn
Wi dàr tidawàgh ad dàr djegh isdiwàn
Chorus
Tàrha n-idjodàgh
Tolàh d-eylàl
S-afàl tin-tikked
Ad hak iba e-ihàl
Chorus
Màràw iwityan-nàkk a legh id hid tifàl
Tàrha n-iman-in ibas hid tammàr
Chorus
Iksànaqqàm diha-hid tizzdjàr
Tidit ta-legh ibas e-tiffàr
Chorus
Friends, every day companions
I want to tell you this:
Love these days is like a mirage.
It gets fainter the closer you get.
For ten longs years,
I lost my one true love.
Love no longer crosses my path.
Truth, how I hate you
When you emerge from me.
My truth will no longer be hidden.
Youssef
Tinariween is in all parts of my body. 🔝🔝🔝🔝
Aurora
Lol we got the same name
Salhi Maaouia
When you are Sick of this Materialistic world , you just need to roll a joint and listen to this music , one day North Africa will be Free , Azawad will be free , Africa will be free !!!
Salhi Maaouia
This has nothing to do with any religion my friend , just put your love / hate for any religion on the side , roll a joint and listen to music .. one love
Emma Polák
Hi Salhi, Can you please help us with this beautiful song's lyrics? The original and if English would be possible you would brighten my day. Many thanks in advance.