Tinariwen (in Tuareg: "ⵜⵏⵔⵓⵏ"; from Tamasheq (Berber), Tenere, the desert) … Read Full Bio ↴Tinariwen (in Tuareg: "ⵜⵏⵔⵓⵏ"; from Tamasheq (Berber), Tenere, the desert) is a Tuareg music group, originating from Tessalit in the Adrar des Ifoghas, a region shared between southern Algeria and northern Mali. The band's fifth album Tassili, released in 2011, won the Award for Best World Music Album at the 54th Grammy Awards.

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.

Tamiditin
Tinariwen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
Tegla terdjash djer ghewunatan tilghutassen
Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
Ad tenttam dagh ulhawen bas tat izdjer har sismawan
Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
Tamiditin tanufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
Tamiditin tanufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song Tamiditin by Tinariwen talk about the life of the Tuareg people and the struggles they have faced over the years. The opening lines of the song, "Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam" mean "The young men are like eagles who do not want to be captive". This line suggests that the Tuareg people are a proud and free people who value their independence.

The second line, "Tegla terdjash djer ghewunatan tilghutassen" means "The fire burns in their eyes like stars in the dark desert sky". This line describes the resilience and determination of the Tuareg people. Despite the challenges they face, they remain strong and resilient.

The next lines, "Ad tenttam dagh ulhawen bas tat izdjer har sismawan" mean "So let's rise up with our weapons and fight against those who want to suppress us". These lyrics are a call to action and a reminder that the Tuareg people have been fighting for their freedom for many years.

Overall, the lyrics of Tamiditin by Tinariwen offer a powerful message of hope, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
The lost people are wandering in darkness, searching for a way out

Tegla terdjash djer ghewunatan tilghutassen
Desperate for water, they travel through the barren desert

Ad tenttam dagh ulhawen bas tat izdjer har sismawan
In their journey, they encounter obstacles and enemies lurking in the shadows

Tamiditin tanufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
The lost people are wandering in darkness, searching for a way out

Writer(s): Ibrahim Ag Alhabib

Contributed by Peyton T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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