Houmeissa by Hama Hama, real name Mouhamadou Moussa, make some undeniably forward thinking music. He first started playing when he was gifted a Yamaha PSR-64, an interesting and now very hard to find keyboard, that had the ability to make programmed beats and play in "Arabic Scales" or quarter tones.…
Moussa "Tchingou" Eggour is one of the most ambitious younger (under 25) Agadez Tuareg guitarists, eager for success. Raised in the midst of the Saharan internet revolution, he runs his own social media (something that the older crop of musicians don't know how to do). He has his own Youtube…
Zerzura (Original Soundtrack Recording) by Ahmoudou Madassane In 2016, we created a film titled Zerzura. The story concerns a young man Ahmoudou Madassane, disillusioned with the pastoral life. He sets off for the city, where he learns of his brother's mysterious disappearance. His journey leads him on an unexpected quest,…
Les Filles de Illighadad are back with tour dates for the EU this fall! We'll be following the tour with a few dates in Australia at Sydney Fest and Mona Foma. Then in 2019, we're finally booking a tour in the USA (hit us up at booking(at)sahelsounds.com).
Oyiwane by Troupe École Tudu The debut album from Troupe École Tudu "Oyiwane" is now available, restored and remastered for the first time outside of Niger! Troupe École Tudu (previously) take their name from a small neighborhood of Agadez, Niger. In 1985, the city hosted a musical competition between various…
We've just wrapped up the new album from Agadez wedding band Etran de L'Aïr. Recorded in 2014, and featured previously here on the blog, it's been a long time coming. Even longer, if you consider the history of the band. The music scene in Agadez is still dominated by weddings.…