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.
Tahalamot
Tinariwen Lyrics
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Of her elegant appearance, nonchalant at dusk
In the middle of the tents
I grabbed hold of Ebazaw and harnessed my saddle to him
Not any just old one; it belonged to Agadez
I donned Alacho, my most beautiful indigo turban
And my two boubou robes
I replaced the bolt of my padlock
I perfumed myself with musk and incense
I belted myself with wool and silk
I passed through a valley where the Tihardanen* played
They made me feel happy
And I arrived at the camp above Timadjlalen
The opening lines of Tinariwen's song "Tahalamot" describe the singer's dream about a woman named Tahalamot. She is described as graceful and relaxed as the day turns into night. The singer then describes himself getting ready to see her by putting on his finest attire, including his most beautiful indigo turban, two boubou robes, and his best jewelry. The singer also puts on musk and incense to make himself smell good. As he rides towards Tahalamot's tent on his horse, he passes through a valley where the Tihardanen are playing music, which fills him with joy. When he arrives at Tahalamot's camp, he is greeted by the sight of the tents and the people there.
The song is all about the journey to see Tahalamot and the sense of anticipation that comes with it. Throughout the song, the singer describes the sights, sounds, smells, and experiences that he has on his journey, all leading up to the moment when he finally arrives at Tahalamot's tent. The dream-like quality of the lyrics gives the song a sense of otherworldliness, as if the singer is on a journey into a different world altogether.
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
Last night, when I dreamt about Tahalmoyt
I had a dream last night about Tahalamot.
Of her elegant appearance, nonchalant at dusk
I dreamed of Tahalamot looking elegant and carefree at dusk.
In the middle of the tents
She was in the middle of a group of tents.
I grabbed hold of Ebazaw and harnessed my saddle to him
I got on my horse, Ebazaw, and attached the saddle to him.
Not any just old one; it belonged to Agadez
This wasn't just any saddle, it was a special one from Agadez.
I donned Alacho, my most beautiful indigo turban
I put on my best, most beautiful indigo turban, Alacho.
And my two boubou robes
I wore my two boubou robes.
I replaced the bolt of my padlock
I made sure my padlock was secure by replacing the old bolt.
I acted like a nobleman who doesn't hide himself away
I carried myself with nobility and didn't hide away from anyone.
I perfumed myself with musk and incense
I applied musk and incense to smell good.
I belted myself with wool and silk
I put on a wool and silk belt.
I passed through a valley where the Tihardanen* played
I traveled through a valley where the Tihardanen played music.
They made me feel happy
Their music brought me joy.
And I arrived at the camp above Timadjlalen
I eventually arrived at the camp above Timadjlalen.
Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni
Contributed by Claire T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
nutrition101
thank you sooo much antirecords for the free high quality of the track and of course tinariwen are great as always iam a big fan thank you
NouR HouDA
حتى و انني لم افهم المعنى و لكن تسمعها ترقص لا ارادي 😍
Hugo Baptista
Simplesmente Genial. Touarege Loves
zaabat ramdane
❤🙏
Elizabeth Snyder_baldonado
Nuthin but luv n peace from this 🎶...thanks, y'all. 💙💓💚
Alessandro Guiso
bellissima,bellissima,bellissima musica
Mateus Maturana
Cheio de brasileiro aqui kkk muito bom.
soûl pawa
Tihoussay ghass tinariwen 👌
Claire Dima
This song always soothes me and lets me dance freely. Thank you!
John Ryan
Does anyone have a lyrical translation, please? I hope your music brings as much peace for your nations as it does to my own soul; much love for the Imazighen people of Tamazgha, and the ténéré, from the Sonoran Desert, USA.