In winter 2020, the Mdou Moctar band met up in Niamey, the capital of Niger, to record a few songs in anticipation of the release of, Afrique Victime. We were staying on the outskirts of town at a friend's home. One day, we quietly set up in front of the house to film a few songs. Despite our relative isolation, the noise of the band inevitably attracted a crowd. What started as the four of us simply playing a few songs for a camera turned into a three-night run of rowdy concerts, bringing in hundreds of eager listeners. Each night, kids from all over the city would line up at our door, rushing over after their final evening prayer. These performances were completely spontaneous and wholly unplanned. Thanks to our audience, we were able to capture the spectacular energy of a typical Niamey concert for you. We're thrilled about it and hope you will be, too. Enjoy!
Wow! This is great! This reminds me so much of playing hall shows in Flint, MI as a kid. I love it. Edit: And once again, Apple Music comes through! These guys are available on Apple Music (and I...
Wow! This is great! This reminds me so much of playing hall shows in Flint, MI as a kid. I love it.
Edit: And once again, Apple Music comes through! These guys are available on Apple Music (and I would assume Spotify, etc.). I loved this description of the band:
Born in the West African nation of Niger, Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar came to wide international attention for his starring role in a 2015 Tamashek-language remake of Prince’s Purple Rain set in the Sahara. Building on the legacy of Tuareg “desert blues” bands like Tinariwen, Moctar alternates between melancholic acoustic ballads and galloping electric odysseys as he sings about life and struggle in the desert. A potent innovator, he delivers furious solos full of distortion—and his 2019 anthem “Tarhatazed” even features some Eddie Van Halen-style finger tapping. Yet his plaintive lyrics keep him connected to tradition and home.
I would love to see that remake! (And apparently YouTube has a trailer.) Oh, it's on Vimeo for $5.00!
Wow! This is great! This reminds me so much of playing hall shows in Flint, MI as a kid. I love it.
Edit: And once again, Apple Music comes through! These guys are available on Apple Music (and I would assume Spotify, etc.). I loved this description of the band:
I would love to see that remake! (And apparently YouTube has a trailer.) Oh, it's on Vimeo for $5.00!