Tinariwen (in Tuareg: "ⵜⵏⵔⵓⵏ"; from Tamasheq (Berber), Tenere, the desert) … Read Full Bio ↴Tinariwen (in Tuareg: "ⵜⵏⵔⵓⵏ"; from Tamasheq (Berber), Tenere, the desert) is a Tuareg music group, originating from Tessalit in the Adrar des Ifoghas, a region shared between southern Algeria and northern Mali. The band's fifth album Tassili, released in 2011, won the Award for Best World Music Album at the 54th Grammy Awards.

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.

Assawt
Tinariwen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Assàwt n- chàt-Tamashàq
Itlab-nen àlhorriya
D-inizdjam n-timgharen
Izzaghnen dagh-issàhra

Wàrlen aman tàcherràd
Tàsnin ihet mànna

Innàr dàffo tàffijàr
Nizdjar àlghabudiyya

Wen ehlan i-meddàn
Wi axdàmnen i-àssàwra

That′s the voice
Of the Tamashek women
Searching for their freedom.
Those are the thoughts
Of the old women
Living in a Sahara devoid of water,
Desiccated and miserable,
My wish is for it
To stop being subservient.

This is a message for those
Who toil for the revolution.

Overall Meaning

Tinariwen's song "Assàwt" tells the story of the Tamashek women who are fighting to gain their freedom. The lyrics are a reflection of the thoughts of the old women who are living in a deprived Sahara region, suffering from a lack of water, and are desperate for change. The song's opening line, "Assàwt n-chàt-Tamashàq Itlab-nen àlhorriya," which means "The voice of the Tamashek women calling for freedom," captures the essence of the song.

The women in the song are depicted as strong and determined and are portrayed as the ones leading the fight for freedom. They are the ones searching for their rights and willing to fight for change. The song suggests that their suffering and oppression have lasted for too long and implores listeners to take notice of their plight. Thus, the lyrics call on those who are working towards the revolution to listen and learn from these women's experiences.

Overall, Tinariwen's "Assàwt" is a powerful song highlighting the struggle of the Tamashek people and their quest for justice and freedom. The sincere and passionate delivery of the lyrics, paired with the syncopated rhythm and the soulful sound, make it an emotional and moving tune.

Line by Line Meaning

Assàwt n- chàt-Tamashàq
That's the voice of the Tamashek women

Itlab-nen àlhorriya
Searching for their freedom

D-inizdjam n-timgharen
Those are the thoughts of the old women

Izzaghnen dagh-issàhra
Living in a Sahara devoid of water, desiccated and miserable

Wàrlen aman tàcherràd
My wish is for it to stop being subservient

Tàsnin ihet mànna
For those who toil for the revolution

Innàr dàffo tàffijàr
That's the voice of the Tamashek women

Nizdjar àlghabudiyya
Searching for their freedom

Wen ehlan i-meddàn
Living in a Sahara devoid of water, desiccated and miserable

Wi axdàmnen i-àssàwra
My wish is for it to stop being subservient

Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni

Contributed by Harper J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.