With its mix of traditional African poetry and music and Western rock influences sung in Tamashek, a language spoken by nomadic tribes across North Africa, Tamikrest is a band with a purpose.
Made up of members from four different horizons (Mali, Niger, Algeria and France), the band that counts among its influences the traditional music of women in Tourag communities and guitar sounds out of refugee camps in Libya is on a mission to share its poetry and music with the rest of the world.
Tamikrest comprises former members of a music school in a small oasis in the Sahara desert who were shaped by the civil conflict they saw in their youth. The Tourag people are a minority group with a history of rebellion dating back to Northern Africa’s French colonial occupation. Post political independence, their territory was divided among Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya and Burkina Faso, and their nomadic way of life was restricted. This year marks the 60th anniversary of a notable Tourag rebellion in Mali.
The band members hope they can bring awareness to their community’s plight. “I hope our music will make people more aware of our situation,” said Ousmane Ag Mossa, Tamikrest's vocalist and guitarist. “I believe more in public opinion than international political consultation,” he said.
On a world tour to promote the band's latest album, Tamotait, Tamikrest is part of a rich tradition of musicians shedding light on social strife. “Our situation here today, in the desert, is very extreme,” Ag Mossa said. “All that’s left for us is hope.”
Catch Tamikrest at the Massey Theatre Friday, May 26, 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Tickets are available online.
