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.
Chet Boghassa
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is n'idja daraba iyet n'igla
War t'islenet chet Boghassa ayiiayiiii
War t'islenet chet Boghassa
Is n'idja daraba iyet n'igla
War t'islenet chet Boghassa ayiiayiiii
Awen meden s'otoy-ajab'ha
Fal tanihadghar t'igla
Is n'ataf tan in kadiya ayiiiiayiiiii
War t'islenet chet Boghassa
Is n'idja daraba iyet n'igla
War t'islenet chet Boghassa ayiiayiiii
At-atarmas sis boufoulka
Har tibsar d'alghaj'ra
Megh namat ghar n'imda ayiiayiii
War t'islenet chet Boghassa
Is n'idja daraba iyet n'igla
War t'islenet chet Boghassa ayiiayiiii
Ed-ikteghid anmang idjan
Idja satghas wart hen aman
Ad'iktôgh sin l'irijal ayiiayiii
War t'islenet chet Boghassa
Is n'idja daraba iyet n'igla
War t'islenet chet Boghassa ayiiayiiii
The song Chet Boghassa by Tinariwen is a celebration of the Tuareg people's ancestral land of Boghassa. The opening verses speak of the beauty and significance of the place and the importance of keeping it alive and thriving. The repeated chorus of "War t'islenet chet Boghassa" reinforces the idea that the land is worth fighting for and preserving.
The middle verses describe the struggles of the Tuareg people, including their difficult living conditions and their ongoing fight for autonomy and recognition. The line "At-atarmas sis boufoulka" may be a reference to the Tuareg rebels who fought against the Mali government in the 1990s. However, the overall tone of the song is positive, emphasizing the strength and resilience of the Tuareg people in the face of adversity.
The final verse speaks directly to the Tuareg people, urging them to come together and work towards a better future for themselves and their land. The line "Idja satghas wart hen aman" can be translated to mean "Let us walk towards peace together." The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus, solidifying the idea that Boghassa is worth fighting for and protecting.
Line by Line Meaning
War t'islenet chet Boghassa
The people of the desert are gathered in Boghassa
Is n'idja daraba iyet n'igla
They have come together to talk about the work of the country
War t'islenet chet Boghassa ayiiayiiii
The people of the desert have gathered in Boghassa, oh oh
Awen meden s'otoy-ajab'ha
The people are happy to see each other again
Fal tanihadghar t'igla
And they discuss the importance of the land
Is n'ataf tan in kadiya ayiiiiayiiiii
And they all agree on the need for strong leadership
At-atarmas sis boufoulka
We take care of our animals and the land
Har tibsar d'alghaj'ra
We rely on the harvest as our main source of sustenance
Megh namat ghar n'imda ayiiayiii
We sing and dance together to celebrate our way of life
Ed-ikteghid anmang idjan
Let us all come together and unite
Idja satghas wart hen aman
So that we may find peace in our land
Ad'iktôgh sin l'irijal ayiiayiii
And let us learn from our elders to guide us
War t'islenet chet Boghassa
The people of the desert are gathered in Boghassa
Is n'idja daraba iyet n'igla
They have come together to talk about the work of the country
War t'islenet chet Boghassa ayiiayiiii
The people of the desert have gathered in Boghassa, oh oh
Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseini
Contributed by Alexandra M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Hammaagazarok
I would love to hear covers for this amazing song :
War tissilnaet chet bogassa
Nja darba ayt nigla
Awa medan toya aljabha
Fal tkma aha alghar tgla
Tasnataften ed qadiya
Attarmassan as bofalka
Haart nbsar da alhjra
Megh namat ghared tamda
Ayd aktegh anmad ijan
Njass atghas warhen amman
Ad aktogh see nla alrrjal
@josiptorlak1069
I think that Tinariwen should be under UNESCO protection,like intangible cultural heritage...so much soul,so much passion,so inspiring!
@ayoubhoussali4077
Josip Torlak oui t'as raison et je confirme ce que t'as dit déjà 2ans
@user-gn1rm2cu1b
اغنية اتذكرها من صغري ولازلت أعشقها تحية لبلدي أزواد😍✌
@Nacertlemcen
وقتاش خرجت الاغنية هذي?
@AMSA_318
@@Nacertlemcen 2003
@Nacertlemcen
@@AMSA_318 شكرا اخي
@AMSA_318
@@Nacertlemcen عفوا😊
@hiya.targiya
❤❤❤❤
@nkidgh4998
تحية كبيرة لملوك وأحرار الصحراء الكبرى كل تماشق ولفرقة تيناريوين الأذوادية
الصحراء الكبرى تجمعنا
@ahmedsalem5203
This is breathtaking . I don’t speak Tamachek, and I don’t understand a word of the lyrics, yet it captivated me .