Tamikrest

Tamikrest is a Malian band from Kidal, active since 2008. The group begins in Tinzawaten, on the border between Algeria and Mali, and is formed by Ousmane Ag Mossa, Cheikh Ag Tiglia and Aghaly Ag Mohamedine. Its later line-up includes Khalifa Ag Aljimit, Moussa Ag Borreiba, Nicolas Grupp, Ibrahim Ag Ahmed Salim, Cédric Maurel, Fadimata Wallet Oumar and Paul Salvagnac.

The band plays blues, desert blues and folk, and is also described as a rock group. Its music draws on the musical heritage of Tinariwen and on Tamasheq traditions, with a stated aim of giving a stronger voice to the Kel Tamasheq people. The group’s sound combines melody, songwriting, hypnotic trance and rock energy.

Tamikrest’s early albums are Adagh and Toumastin, which emphasise melody and song structure. Paul Salvagnac joins for the third album, Chatma, which shifts the group towards a stronger rock sound and is dedicated to the struggles of women in the Sahara. Chatma wins the Songlines Award for Best Album of the Year in 2013 and is noted as an important release in the Ishumar music genre. Later albums include Kidal and Tamotait.

The group tours widely across Europe, Africa, North and South America, Japan, South Korea and Australia, and is known for its live performances.