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.
Iket adjen
Tinariwen Lyrics
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J'me vé-sau, j'ai une quеtte-pla dans le froc
Ici le S du Z, j′еnvoie b′zef, j'les mets raides
J′suis loin comme Emirates, coté à mille contre un sur Unibet
Dans l'rap j′sers comme un pull l'hiver
Nique tout l′univers, spliff toutes les une heure
Bientôt ma zik dans tous les Uber
OK j'agresse sec genre CR7 en mode Berserk
Too legit to quit, j'intercepte les MC serre-tête
Enlevez le balai dans vos derches, tu vas danser le jerk
Bang! J′suis calé dans le vaisseau
Fais pas l′fou, on déboule tous armés au azi cagoulé
Akha y a les poulets, mon joint
J'finis d′rouler avant de t'enculer
Y a pas d′feu sans fumée, ne me fais pas jurer
Va t'cacher dans l′Jura, t'as une tête de Judas
Balance on te tuera
The lyrics of Tinariwen's song "Iket adjen" convey a sense of strength, confidence, and defiance. The opening lines present a fearless image, with the singer stating that they are no longer fighting but are calibrated and armed with a Glock. They assert their readiness for any situation, boasting about having a weapon tucked in their pants.
The following lines highlight the singer's influence and power. They proclaim to be a prominent figure, comparing themselves to Emirates (the airline) and stating that they are favored at odds of a thousand to one on Unibet (an online gambling platform). They describe their impact in the rap world, claiming to serve a purpose similar to a warm winter sweater, and arrogantly dismissing the rest of the universe while frequently smoking a spliff.
The lyrics continue with a mix of braggadocio and wordplay. The singer draws a comparison between their aggression and the intensity of Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) in "Berserk" mode. They assert their legitimacy and skill, intercepting other MCs and urging them to remove any metaphorical stick from their behinds to enjoy themselves. The line "Bang! J'suis calé dans le vaisseau" suggests that the singer is comfortably positioned in control, ready to make a powerful impact.
The song takes a darker turn as it addresses potential dangers and confrontations. The lyrics warn against acting foolishly, as the singer and their crew are ready to show up masked and armed. The mention of police ("les poulets") adds a sense of tension and the need for caution. The singer adds a provocative element, speaking about both finishing rolling a joint and the act of being deceived or screwed over. They emphasize that where there is smoke, there is fire, and caution against provoking them to swear. The lyrics end with a threatening tone, suggesting that if someone gives information or betrays them, they will be killed.
Ultimately, "Iket adjen" showcases the confidence, bravado, and potential danger associated with the singer's life and dealings.
Line by Line Meaning
J′me bats plus, j'suis calibré j′ai un Glock
I no longer fight, I am prepared with a Glock
J'me vé-sau, j'ai une quеtte-pla dans le froc
I protect myself, I have a pistol in my pants
Ici le S du Z, j′еnvoie b′zef, j'les mets raides
Here in the S du Z, I shout a lot, I intimidate them
J′suis loin comme Emirates, coté à mille contre un sur Unibet
I'm far away like Emirates, highly valued on Unibet
Dans l'rap j′sers comme un pull l'hiver
In rap, I serve like a winter sweater
Nique tout l′univers, spliff toutes les une heure
Fuck the whole universe, smoke joints every hour
Bientôt ma zik dans tous les Uber
Soon my music in every Uber
OK j'agresse sec genre CR7 en mode Berserk
Okay, I aggressively attack like CR7 in berserk mode
Too legit to quit, j'intercepte les MC serre-tête
Too legitimate to quit, I intercept the MCs with headbands
Enlevez le balai dans vos derches, tu vas danser le jerk
Remove the broomstick from your asses, you will dance the jerk
Bang! J′suis calé dans le vaisseau
Bang! I'm settled in the spaceship
Fais pas l′fou, on déboule tous armés au azi cagoulé
Don't act crazy, we all come armed with masked faces
Akha y a les poulets, mon joint
Beware, there are cops, my joint
J'finis d′rouler avant de t'enculer
I finish rolling before fucking you over
Y a pas d′feu sans fumée, ne me fais pas jurer
Where there's smoke, there's fire, don't make me swear
Va t'cacher dans l′Jura, t'as une tête de Judas
Go hide in the Jura, you have a Judas-like face
Balance on te tuera
Snitch and we'll kill you
Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni
Contributed by Sydney I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.