Ramping up before their next album comes out in January, Tuareg band
Imarhan has just released their latest single,
“Tamiditin,” with stirring visual accompaniment. The rolling ballad features Tuareg poet Mohamed Ag Itlale, who was known under the stage name Japonais. A
founding member of genre forebears Tinariwen, Japonais died shortly
after recording with Imarhan in Aboogi, their new studio.
The song's lyric
video, with translation of Japonais’ poetry, was released
this week. The drawings were done by Imarhan's Tahar Khaldi.
Imarhan’s
bandleader, Iyad Moussa Ben Abderahmane, AKA Sadam, said: “Japonais'
passing has left a big void in Tuareg music. It was enough to exist
in the same precious time as his poetry and music, but to have
recorded with him at Aboogi Studio was so special. He was an
exceptional artist and personality. He listened to everyone, never
critical, encouraging younger generations because he felt change is
important in music. When I met him by chance, it felt like magic. He
knew about Imarhan and wanted us to sing his songs because he didn’t
have the strength and trusted us to carry his music on. His
progressive mind and positive energy will always be part of our
community and in our hearts."
Imarhan’s album Aboogi is slated for release on City Slang Records on Jan. 28 and is available for preorder now. The album’s first single, “Achinkad,” was released in October.
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