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.

Chatma
Tinariwen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Send out the rallying cry, my sisters
All over the village
Under my skin is the fire
Of rage and anger
Shouted out at the gathering of my brothers
Suffering for far too long
And in my misery
Loud and clear

At the exit of the village
If the radio in london was closer
My sisters would let everyone know
That the fire has been burning for far too long
In our lost slumbers
For the burnt animals and the aged dead
At the gates of Kidal we must assemble
And fight

As strong as you might be
You will burn in your fire

Overall Meaning

"Chatma," a song by the band Tinariwen, is an expression of resistance and revolution against years of oppression and conflict in the Tuareg community. The lyrics are a call to action, summoning the women in the village to unite and fight against the injustices that they have endured for far too long. The tone of the song is gritty and passionate, conveying the pain and desperation felt by the people.

The singer's call to action is both compelling and emblematic of the strength and endurance of women. Despite their marginalization and subjugation by patriarchal structures, the singer's determination to fight is a rallying cry to all women, encouraging them to take up arms against marginalization and oppression. The chorus is particularly powerful, with the singer's voice rising above the rhythm of the guitar and percussion, urging the listener to join the struggle.

Moreover, the song takes on additional meanings in the Tuareg community, where the term "chatma" is a reference to a woman's personal sovereignty, with an emphasis on her autonomy and decision-making. The song thus becomes more than a mere call to action; it is a dedication to the strength of a community's women, whose power and resilience cannot be denied.

Line by Line Meaning

Send out the rallying cry, my sisters
I'm calling on all my fellow women to join me in taking action.

All over the village
This problem is affecting everyone in our community.

Under my skin is the fire
I'm consumed with a passionate desire for change.

Of rage and anger
I'm furious about the injustices we've been enduring.

Shouted out at the gathering of my brothers
I'm telling my male counterparts about the issues we're facing.

Suffering for far too long
We've been dealing with this for too many years.

And in my misery
Despite how difficult this is, I'm not giving up.

Loud and clear
I'm making my message as clear as possible.

At the exit of the village
I'll continue speaking out, even as we leave our homes behind.

If the radio in london was closer
I wish we could reach a broader audience with our message.

My sisters would let everyone know
My fellow women would spread the word.