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.
Fog Edaghàn
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
Fog edhaghan dagha qimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Aznazdjamegh inegh daglagh
Har teneré nibdid sadjdagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqimagh
Amidinin ahak anagh
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Arghan manin assinanagh
Eraq oulhin war ankalwagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Tinariwen's song "Fog Edaghàn" is a poignant declaration of the Tuareg people's struggle for identity and recognition, set to the band's signature blend of desert blues and hypnotic rhythms. The sparse yet powerful lyrics speak of the hardships and isolation experienced by the Tuareg, a nomadic Berber people who have been historically marginalized and oppressed in the countries of the Saharan region.
The repeated phrase "anagh tidit hound har anagh" ("we are alone, each one by himself") conveys the sense of isolation and solitude that the Tuareg often feel, as they are scattered across vast territories and forced to adapt to changing political and environmental conditions. The "fog edaghàn" ("fog of the desert") becomes a metaphor for this sense of displacement and struggle, as the Tuareg navigate through a landscape that is inhospitable and constantly shifting.
Line by Line Meaning
Oulhin zhaydar ahak anagh
My companion, the handsome one, I am yours
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
We are alone together, just us
Fog edhaghan dagha qimagh
In this misty fog, we can't see each other
Arghan manin arhinagh
Our hearts are together
Aznazdjamegh inegh daglagh
Our love is like a flame that cannot be extinguished
Har teneré nibdid sadjdagh
Even though our circumstances may change
Fog edhaghan dagh aqimagh
In this misty fog, we remain bound
Arghan manin arhinagh
Our hearts are together
Amidinin ahak anagh
My friend, I am yours
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
We are alone together, just us
Fog edhaghan dagh aqimagh
In this misty fog, we remain bound
Arghan manin arhinagh
Our hearts are together
Arghan manin assinanagh
Our hearts are forever bound
Eraq oulhin war ankalwagh
In the midst of darkness and hardship
Fog edhaghan dagh aqimagh
In this misty fog, we remain bound
Arghan manin arhinagh
Our hearts are together
Writer(s): Ibrahim Ag Alhabib
Contributed by Jordyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rayanefilali934
Lyrics:
Oulhin zhaydar ahak anagh
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Aznazdjamegh inegh daglagh
Har tenere nibdid sadjdagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Amidinin ahak anagh
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Arghan manin assinanagh
Eraq oulhin war ankalwagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
@amahagh-re4vf
@@michelinodellelce3415
Oulhi zaydar Hak anagh anagh tidat hund har anagh :
My heart wait I will say to you
I only say the truth
Fog edaghan dagh aqimagh argha manin arhinagh : on the mountains Where I am sitting, my soul burns I am sick
Az nazdjamegh negh daglagh har tenere nabdad sadjdagh
When on my thoughts I said I will go to desert, standing up meditating
@foxracer1703
Love them and their story. All very talented musicians. The bassist especially. Makes it sound literally effortless.
@rayanefilali934
Lyrics:
Oulhin zhaydar ahak anagh
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Aznazdjamegh inegh daglagh
Har tenere nibdid sadjdagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Amidinin ahak anagh
Anagh tidit hound har anagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
Arghan manin assinanagh
Eraq oulhin war ankalwagh
Fog edhaghan dagh aqqimagh
Arghan manin arhinagh
@michelinodellelce3415
could anyone provide an english translation?
@harounedellabani9200
Traduction 🙏 pls
@amahagh-re4vf
@@michelinodellelce3415
Oulhi zaydar Hak anagh anagh tidat hund har anagh :
My heart wait I will say to you
I only say the truth
Fog edaghan dagh aqimagh argha manin arhinagh : on the mountains Where I am sitting, my soul burns I am sick
Az nazdjamegh negh daglagh har tenere nabdad sadjdagh
When on my thoughts I said I will go to desert, standing up meditating
@user-ok2dd8dx7o
بالله عليك ترجم بالعربيه
@amazighfeliz4697
Viva amazigh desde país vasco ❤❤
@acanosequeescribiracanoponada
Un abrazo desde buenos aires, gracias por transmitir un mensaje tan lleno de existencia y comprensión de vida 🕊️✨💫🌱🌞🌿❤️
@zahirdjazairi8470
best music in world from Algeria my country and i'm from Bejaia, fooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooor
@rayanrayan2221
فرعتي راسنا هذه الفرقة من شمال مالي ازواد و لا علاقة لها ب الدزاير