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.
Walla Illa
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ulla illa
Ulla illa mizimallat gatti lilla
Adjodagh nemshi shuya ahi netrogh ghur Mizgawa
Ag adam dish offa d-illa tallaqq dagh man illa issikta
As nezdjamegh arghegh taba ed cigarette ha turhena
Ag adam dish offa d illa tallaq dagh man illa issikta
Tinariwen’s song “Walla Illa” is a deeply evocative piece that takes listeners on a journey through the vast terrain of the Sahara Desert. The opening lyrics of “Ulla Illa, Ulla Illa” are repeated throughout the song and serve as a chanting refrain that sets the tone for the hypnotic melody. The song draws on the rich musical heritage of the Tuareg people, a nomadic tribe that roams the Sahara region of North Africa. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the harsh desert landscape, where survival depends on being attuned to the rhythms of the natural world.
The imagery in the lyrics speaks of the unrelenting power of the desert and the Tuareg’s connection to it. “Ulla illa mizimallat gatti lilla” can be translated to mean “the wind that blows all day and all night”. This line acknowledges the ever-present nature of the desert wind and its incessant force. The lines “Ag adam dish offa d-illa tallaqq dagh man illa issikta/ As nezdjamegh arghegh taba ed cigarette ha turhena” are particularly striking. They speak of the desert’s isolation and the Tuareg’s reliance on each other for survival. These lines roughly translate to mean “Men with nothing to say, walking around with nothing to do/ Sharing a cigarette, killing time in the middle of nowhere”.
The song delves deep into the heart of the Tuareg experience, reflecting their deep-seated connection to the land, and its unrelenting power. It is a powerful anthem that reveals the Tuareg's sense of strength and tenacity, even in the face of the harshest adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Ulla illa
This refrain is a repetition of an exclamation, possibly indicating a sense of urgency or affirmation.
Ulla illa mizimallat gatti lilla
This line may indicate a feeling of confusion or chaos, with the singer struggling to understand the situation.
Adjodagh nemshi shuya ahi netrogh ghur Mizgawa
This line describes someone traveling, potentially on a difficult or unpredictable journey.
Ag adam dish offa d-illa tallaqq dagh man illa issikta
This line may refer to the experience of being lost or unsure of one's path, with the artist seeking guidance or direction.
As nezdjamegh arghegh taba ed cigarette ha turhena
This line uses figurative language to describe the artist's sense of isolation or loneliness, perhaps indicating a desire for connection or companionship.
Ag adam dish offa d illa tallaq dagh man illa issikta
This repetition of an earlier line reinforces the idea of feeling lost or uncertain.
Writer(s): Ibrahim Ag Alhabib
Contributed by Brayden S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@emalaremal
ⵜⴰⵍⵖⴰⵜⵜ ⵉⵣⵢⵍⵊ
best band
@m11100
عاشوا اخواني تحيه لكم من السعوديه 🇸🇦🇸🇦🌹🌹🌹
@user-jk5li6hq5b
شعب عظيم سمعت عنهم واتمنى ازورهم..كل الحب لكم...اخوكم من اليمن
@hasangabel8207
تحية للطوارق للتوارق شعب اصيل وتراث عريق وأغنية جميلة جدا
@saadalhasani52
حبيتهم من قبل ما ازورهم وراح ازورهم ل
ان شاء الله
@mariarosenberg6405
Beautiful song!!! Words and melody
@marjobruijnzeel7927
Touching beautiful 🎶
@mosaabdullah7256
My fav song ❤️
@DiegoRicardoLuyoEnciso
I love these guys, so spiritual, so mystic
@etahah
Diego Ricardo Luyo Enciso I agree,, It’s an Algerian song