Aratan N Azawad by Terakaft
LABEL: World Village

Terakaft, or “rebel elders,” encompass two generations of musicians who have dedicated their musical creations to the history of the Tuareg, a nomadic people that, today, are found mostly in North Africa and West Africa. Terakaft’s compilation, Aratan N Azawad, is made up of songs that are harnessed atop a solid core of rock guitar, mellifluous drumming, and resonant, lively singing. The composition of the songs and the pacing on the album reflect the wide open desert spaces from which the musicians hail.

Based in Mali, the core musicians that compose Terakaft have origins stemming from military training with the Libyans, initially done in an effort to unite scattered groups of Tuaregs across the African continent. In between trainings, Tuareg musicians busted out their guitars and jammed. This led to a concept of fighting with music instead of weapons and a nickname for their music was coined: “boot camp blues.”

“Historically, our people had a huge territory that extended across the Sahara,” says bassist and singer Abdallah Ag Ahmed. “But now Tuaregs are all living in despair and isolation, each in their own little corner of the world. We want to unite our people.”

For this compilation, the initial musicians, including Terakaft leader Liya Ag Ablil (a.k.a. Diara) worked with musicians from across the world, including Indian singer Kiran Alhuwalia and Matthias Vaguenez, a percussionist from the French world music and trip hop scene.

“Alghalem,” the first song on the compilation, starts off with a guitar lick, a catchy beat and vocals that compel you to sing along. The talent and strategic restraint behind the electric guitar is evident, with well-paced licks reaching out to tease your mind while offering a delicate counterpoint to the catchy chorus of vocals.

“Talikoba” speaks highly to Terakaft’s rock and roll roots. The guitars impose a reggae-blues rhythm that jams throughout the song, with plenty of awe-inspiring blues riffing and vocals calling you to join in and take part in their revolution.

“Akoz Imgharen”, a more traditional piece, has an upbeat riff running through the piece. This song anchors the album with a calm, peaceful melody and lyrics that portray hope.

“Kek Amidi Nin” is what I picture when I think of the bluesy jam sessions of Terakaft’s past. The charismatic, emphatic singing in “Hegh Ténéré” inspires you to get up and move.

This album stands out as an eclectic compilation of sophisticated blues/rock guitar coupled with well-paced vocals that gracefully ebb and flow on a backbone of consistent driving beats. It is perfect for playing during a party, as well as during peaceful moments alone. Regardless of the listening context, the spirit of the Tuareg is clearly felt.
 

REVIEWED BY KYRSTEN BEAN
KYRSTEN’S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Alghalem” • “Talikoba”
Kyrsten Bean is a freelance writer, a musician and a photographer.