Tag Archives: tuareg

The crisis in Mali, Tuareg music and rebellion

  April 11, 2012 - 11:19 pm | , , , ,
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For some people, when you say “Timbuktu”, it is like the end of the world, but that is not true. I am from Timbuktu, and I can tell you we are right at the heart of the world. — Ali Farka Touré. from the liner notes to his 1994 album, Talking Timbukutu In 1994, I was looking forward to seeing the great Malian guitarist for the first time, in a concert with American Ry Cooder, with whom he had recorded the above CD. However, not long before that concert, word came out that Touré had cancelled his tour, because of … Continue reading →

April treats

  April 1, 2012 - 1:02 pm |
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A gloomy start to the month of “April showers”, but the musical forecast is anything but. Check the full event listings at www.to-music.ca/events A few goodies picked out from there below. (Details and links for all these shows are in the events calendar) April 5: Brazilian/Mexican grooves at the Lula: Aline Morales and Quique Escamilla. April 6, Batuki Music continues its new “Africa Up Close” series at the intimate NOW Lounge, with Malian griot Sountougoumba “Tapa” Diarra. Only $10 April 11: Jane Bunnett’s “Spirit of Music” benefit for Cuban musicians with a raft of guests including Molly Johnson, Njacko Backo and … Continue reading →

“Globalized Tuaregs, and the Plight of the Festival in the Desert”

  December 10, 2011 - 1:35 am |
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From Afropop Worldwide’s blog: These are trying times for the Tuareg communities of the Sahara. We are barely one month from the 11th annual Festival in the Desert in Timbuktu. A tantalizing preliminary roster (including Salif Keita, Baaba Maal, Habib Koite, and of course the preeminent Tuareg band Tinariwen) has been posted. Tinariwen has recently toured in the US, including an appearance on The Colbert Report, further enhancing their mantle as champions of a globalized, “desert rock” sound. And, prior to a November 25 kidnapping incident in Timbuktu, Festival in the Desert director Manny Ansar was also making the rounds, … Continue reading →

Bombino: Nov 29 concert archived online & interview

  November 29, 2011 - 6:50 pm | ,
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Update: Full audio of this concert is archived here The excellent new Tuareg guitarist, Omar Moctar, known as Bombino, played a blistering set this past July at the Lula Lounge, to a highly enthusiastic, but much-too-small audience. He’s touring again, but unfortunately will miss Toronto this time around. Catch him live online though, in a concert webcast by NPR from New York club, Le Poisson Rouge tonight at 8pm. Link & article here Also read an interview and catch some of his album, Agadex, plus some video on Okayafrica here

A musical prayer for Libya

  August 20, 2011 - 2:29 am | , ,
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For over 6 months, ordinary Libyans have sacrificed, fought and died in order to finally rid themselves of the terror & opression they’ve lived under for almost 42 years. At this point, victory & freedom for Libyans may finally be close. In the last week, towns and cities all over western Libya have been freed. Only Tripoli remains, and it seems as if tonight and tomorrow may begin the final stand against the dictator. Many of us are holding our breaths. So, in support of Libya and Libyans, a small bit of Libyan music & other notes… Last Friday, I … Continue reading →