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.
Asuf D Alwa
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Longing and loneliness
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
Talghiwen assohatnen
Itadj asemman anneghabint
Itissahid tarha n asser
Tillalagh imidiwan adokhan
Adiwanin noyya inezgam djan tinfusen
The lyrics of Tinariwen's song "Asuf D Alwa" describe nostalgia and solitude, or longing and loneliness. The first two lines, "Asuf d alwa megh tisseren / S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen," suggest that this feeling is tied to the desert landscape of the Tuareg people, as "asuf" means longing and "alwa" means desert or wilderness. The third line, "Talghiwen assohatnen," refers to the Tuareg's nomadic lifestyle, as "talghiwen" means travelers or migrants. The fourth line, "Itadj asemman anneghabint," may mean that the singer looks up at the stars and feels a sense of longing or isolation.
The fifth line, "Itissahid tarha n asser," could be interpreted as a reference to the Tuareg's history of rebellion and resistance against colonizers and other outside forces. "Itissahid" means martyr, and "tarha n asser" means the fight for freedom. The sixth line, "Ism n enshor illan enor," continues this theme by suggesting that the singer's people are still struggling for independence and self-determination. "Ism n enshor" means the name of the revolution, and "illan enor" means the sons of light.
The final two lines, "Tillalagh imidiwan adokhan / Adiwanin noyya inezgam djan tinfusen," are more difficult to interpret, but seem to suggest a yearning for connection or community. "Tillalagh" means perhaps "come closer" or "let's all gather," and "imidiwan adokhan" means "my friends" or "my brothers." "Adiwanin noyya inezgam djan tinfusen" may refer to a specific gathering place or meeting point for the Tuareg.
Line by Line Meaning
Nostalgie et solitude
Longing and loneliness
Asuf d alwa megh tisseren
The yearning for a homeland runs through my veins
S el waqqen hegh anukmamnen
But in this moment, I am lost
Talghiwen assohatnen
I seek out the stars for guidance
Itadj asemman anneghabint
Hoping that they will lead me towards my destination
Itissahid tarha n asser
I am a witness to the hardships of life
Ism n enshor illan enor
The name of freedom is written in blood
Tillalagh imidiwan adokhan
My precious brothers and sisters in arms
Adiwanin noyya inezgam djan tinfusen
We are united in this struggle for our people's freedom
Contributed by Gavin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.