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.
Assuf D Alwa
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
Itadj asemman anneghabint
Itadj asemman anneghabint
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
Itissahid tarha n asser
Ism n enshor illan enor
Ism n enshor illan enor
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
Tillalagh imidiwan adokhan adiwanin
Noyya inezgam djan tinfusen
Noyya inezgam djan tinfusen
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
The song "Assuf D Alwa" by Tinariwen addresses the struggles of the Tuareg people, a nomadic group from Saharan Africa, who have long faced conflict and displacement. The lyrics speak of the pain and sorrow the Tuareg people feel in exile, being forced to leave their homeland and wander endlessly. The phrase "Asuf D Alwa" translates to "the sadness of the desert," which captures the overwhelming feeling of loss and longing conveyed in the song.
The repetition of the phrase "S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen" in each verse emphasizes the cyclical nature of the Tuareg people's experiences, as they continually face displacement and struggle. The mention of "itissahid tarha n asser" speaks to the Tuareg's history of armed resistance against colonization and oppression, while "ism n enshor illan enor" pays homage to the Tuareg martyrs who fought for their freedom.
Overall, "Assuf D Alwa" serves as a powerful tribute to the resilience and strength of the Tuareg people, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in their quest for peace and stability.
Line by Line Meaning
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
The wind of sadness is blowing inside me
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
It's coming from the north, I can feel it
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
It's coming from the north, I can feel it
Talghiwen assohatnen
Many warriors have left the tribe
Itadj asemman anneghabint
They left their footprints in the sand
Itadj asemman anneghabint
They left their footprints in the sand
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
The wind of sadness is blowing inside me
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
It's coming from the north, I can feel it
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
It's coming from the north, I can feel it
Itissahid tarha n asser
The memory of the brave ones remains
Ism n enshor illan enor
Their names are like stars in the night
Ism n enshor illan enor
Their names are like stars in the night
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
The wind of sadness is blowing inside me
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
It's coming from the north, I can feel it
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
It's coming from the north, I can feel it
Tillalagh imidiwan adokhan adiwanin
The young men are eager to learn from the wise ones
Noyya inezgam djan tinfusen
Their eyes shine like torches
Noyya inezgam djan tinfusen
Their eyes shine like torches
Writer(s): AG ALHABIB IBRAHIM
Contributed by Lincoln S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Ohm51
One of the things I Love about Tinariwen among many things is they still use the Call and Response form, which was a traditional element in the music of many cultures, but probably all springing out of Africa eons ago.
@windasafriend
Longing and loneliness
Oh longing, loneliness and despair! I’m a prisoner of the present In moments of tribulation we share our suffering,
As we might share a glass of tea The hidden love I feel for that radiant face Lightens my melancholy and loneliness I go and see my friends The smoke speaks to me And my thoughts tell me tales
@anping6009
May Allah(swt) blesses all Tuareg brothers and sisters,amiin.
@forreal7403
Mashallah, Respect to all tuareg from your Somali brothers. The only other bigger nomadic peoples than us 👏. long love the nomaid life.
@othmaneboutjedir9110
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
Talghiwen assohatnen
Itadj asemman anneghabint
Itissahid tarha n asser
Ism n enshor illan enor
Tillalagh imidiwan adokhan
Adiwanin noyya inezgam djan tinfusen
@tcm6756
A great song by a great and noble band.
@mokhtaralhusiny8230
فرقه تيناروين فخر لكل او تماشق الطوارق
@christiantagliaferro4123
Bellissima
@haroulang
Fantastic !
@t60fallout9
No sé qué diablos dice la letra pero suenan demasiado bien xD