Iconic Tuareg Saharan desert rock band, Tinariwen, is thrilled to return to Australia this May and June for a national run of dates.
Evolving from exiled rebels to global music icons, the Grammy Award-winning Tuareg rock band renowned for their unique fusion of traditional desert blues, rock, and world rhythms, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their sounds.
Tinariwen has embarked on a remarkable journey since its inception on the Mali-Algeria border in 1979, with a distinct assouf style that weaves together West African, Arab, and American blues influences, their music vividly embodies the Tuareg spirit and appeals to audiences worldwide.
During its early years, Tinariwen faced challenges, developing their unique sound against the backdrop of political turmoil in their native Mali. The band’s resilience is epitomized by founding singer, songwriter and guitarist, Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, whose father was lost to Tuareg conflict, and who fashioned his first guitar from an oil can and bicycle parts – a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity at the heart of Tinariwen’s music.
The band’s ascent from creating music in exile to gaining international recognition is punctuated by collaborations with renowned artists such as Thom Yorke, Robert Plant, Jack White and Warren Ellis.
Their 2024 tour is the first since the release of the band’s ninth studio album, Amatssou (“Beyond The Fear”), a ground-breaking project that explores the deep-rooted connections between the desert blues of Tinariwen to the country music of rural America, Southern rock to German psych-rock.
“Tinariwen proved why they’ve earned a reputation as one of the world’s most entertaining acts; their performance was a true testament to the universal power of music.” – Conséquence of Sound“Where Tinariwen’s guitars catch fire, especially on the older anthems, the groove is taut and irresistible.” – Financial Tiles“The world needs more bands like Tinariwen, spreading good vibes to all.” – The Art Desk“Tinariwen certainly don’t play pop songs, they play songs that transcend genres and limitations set by anything conventional.” – Buzz Mag
