Lost souls on Earth often find connections with music.
This is the story behind the guitarist from Upstate New York and the poor refugee from Libya and Mali. Here we have on one side a man who has no home, no land and no nation, yet he still had enough compassion to offer a warm cup of tea to the stranger in the desert. This simple gesture of kindness speaks the volumes of the human capacity for empathy and compassion Tuaregs have.
He was able to connect with the other person and reach out to him in a way that transcends all boundaries. This story represent the power of music that perfectly describe their sound; Sharing.
Tuareg of Mali have a long and proud history of rebellion, having fought against the French colonial forces in the early 20th century.
Using a strange guitar tuning -- i would call it “daddy’s imzad”, Tuareg musicians have been able to create a sound that is both unique and poignant. The music is a reflection of their tumultuous history, with lyrics that often express their longing for freedom, peace, and justice. It is also a celebration of their culture, which has been shaped by their harsh desert environment.
Tuareg music has gained international recognition in recent years due to the success of bands such as Tinariwen or Tamikrest.
