Tinariwen

"An intoxicating, hypnotic sound...over which skirling electric guitars trace serpentine lines."—The Independent

Hear the desert blues of Tinariwen, an eight-piece guitar-driven band from northern African. Fans of the desert blues sound emanating from Africa will rejoice when they hear Tinariwen, an eight-piece guitar-driven Touareg band (whose name translates as "empty places"). Their potent sound has captivated those first introduced to the music of this part of the world by Ali Farka Toure and Boubacar TraorÈ.

The Touaregs are the exiled Berber wanderers of the south Sahara. Tinariwen give voice to their rebel identity in songs that describe this disenfranchised people's expulsion from Algeria, repression in Mali, and cry for self-determination. Their political sung poetry summons comparisons to Bob Marley, while the droning guitar grooves bring traditional melodies into the electric age. Tinariwen deliver deeply resonating music that strikes home while they pursue their nomadic path.


support credits

Music season presented by National City.

Major support for the performing arts season provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Additional season support provided by the Ohio Arts Council and the Corporate Annual Fund of the Wexner Center Foundation.

Promotional support provided by WBNS 10TV.