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 Tan Ufrawan
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My secretive girl friend!
Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
Tegla terdjash djer ghewunatan tilghutassen
Ad tenttam dagh ulhawen bas tat izdjer har sismawan
Tamiditin tanufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
The lyrics of the song Tamiditin Tan Ufrawan by Tinariwen are written in Tamashek, one of the Berber languages spoken by the Tuareg people in the Sahara desert. The song translates to My Secretive Girlfriend and expresses the emotions of the singer towards their lover. The first line, "Mon amie la cachottière," in French sets the tone of the song as the singer refers to their love as someone who is secretive. The first verse talks about the hardships of the desert as the singer tries to find their way to their lover's house through sandstorms and hot winds. The second verse speaks about the singer's desire to be with their beloved and share life together regardless of the hardships they might face. The mention of the word "tamiditin" which means "my love" in Tamashek, adds a layer of intimacy to the song.
The song is very significant for its representation of the Tuareg people and their culture. It is a reflection of the everyday life of the Tuareg who are nomads living in one of the harshest environments on earth. The lyrics are full of Berber proverbs and imagery that tells the story of their community. According to the band, the song was inspired by a true story of a Tuareg man who was in love with a woman from another tribe. Due to the social and political tensions between their communities, the relationship had to be kept secret. The song expresses the feeling of longing and desire of the forbidden love.
Line by Line Meaning
Tamiditin tan ufrawan mahas naghshad as hitaddlam
My secretive girlfriend, you're hiding something from me and I can see it in your behavior
Tegla terdjash djer ghewunatan tilghutassen
Your eyes wander to other places and things, distracted by something that is not me
Ad tenttam dagh ulhawen bas tat izdjer har sismawan
I will not rest until I know the truth, even if it means confronting what scares you
Writer(s): Ibrahim Ag Alhabib Copyright: Wedge (Inear Publishing)
Contributed by Ryan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-bo8db3ik5q
Jaim. BC tinarawin miere groub. Toooop
@kalinekadaou
tanamirrt