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.
Kel Tamashek
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kal tamashak ibdidat
Inhalghalim tarmadhat
Safal wardjed iniyat
Séré waranidja iniyat
Wardiss madekil harat
Séré waranidja iniyat
Wardiss madekil harat
Tilé tamghart wacharat
Warat ghatil fal harat
Bastila amossan harat(×2)
Niglawat michichwarat ×2 adnissin madenibit ×2
The lyrics to Kel Tamashek by Tinariwen are in the Tuareg language, and they speak about the struggles and triumphs of the Tamashek people, a minority ethnic group that primarily lives in the Saharan regions of North Africa. The song highlights the social and cultural traditions of the Tamashek, with references to specific cultural practices such as the wearing of the tagelmust (traditional head wrap) and the use of the tamashek language.
The opening lines of the song, "Kal tamashak isswadhat, Kal tamashak ibdidat," which translates to "We are the people who wear black, we are the people who ride the wind," establish the Tuareg identity as proud and resilient. The lyrics continue to describe the daily struggles the Tamashek face, such as navigating the harsh desert environment and being separated from their families and communities due to conflict and war.
However, the song also speaks to the strength and perseverance of the Tamashek people. The chorus, "Alawat inkarat, Alawat ahdimat, Tilé tamghart wacharat," which translates to "We are not defeated, we are not broken, The woman leader has arrived," reinforces the idea that the Tamashek are not easily conquered or worn down. The song ends with a call to action to honor and protect the Tamashek culture and identity, with the lines "Niglawat michichwarat, adnissin madenibit," or "We must defend ourselves with our culture, that is our struggle."
Overall, Kel Tamashek is a powerful tribute to the Tamashek people and their ongoing fight for recognition and autonomy.
Line by Line Meaning
Kal tamashak isswadhat
The Tamashek language is a black sword
Kal tamashak ibdidat
The Tamashek language is a white sword
Inhalghalim tarmadhat
It rises and falls like the wind
Safal wardjed iniyat
It is the source of guidance and knowledge
Séré waranidja iniyat
It is the path to freedom
Wardiss madekil harat
It illuminates the darkness
Séré waranidja iniyat
It is the path to freedom
Wardiss madekil harat
It illuminates the darkness
Alawat inkarat Alawat ahdimat
Our language unites us, it is a covenant
Tilé tamghart wacharat
From it, the queen draws her power
Warat ghatil fal harat
It is the weapon of the brave
Bastila amossan harat(×2)
A shield for the oppressed, wherever they are
Niglawat michichwarat ×2 adnissin madenibit ×2
It cuts through the chains of slavery and opens the way to the future
Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseini
Contributed by Madison P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.