While talking about Khaira Arby's upcoming North American tour, we re-watched this footage from her first visit to the states in 2010. In light of the strife currently engulfing northern Mali, her description of her beloved multi-ethnic home, Timbuktu, is a potent reminder of what is at stake in the conflict.
In Arby's own words- "In the land of Timbuktu, there are black Tuareg. There are the white Tuareg. There are Songhai. There are the Peul. This is why, in my songs, in my music, all the ethnic groups of Timbuktu find themselves, and I sing to them one by one... The music of the north is cosmopolitan. The music of Timbuktu is so broad, it can embrace all kinds of music."
Poignant words in light of the current situation. Watch the entire video below:
Tour Dates:
Thu 4/26 DALLAS, TX Kessler Theater
Fri 4/27 LAFAYETTE, LA Festival Int'l de Louisiane
Sat 4/28 LAFAYETTE, LA Festival Int'l de Louisiane
Mon 4/30 ATLANTA, GA The Earl
Tue 5/1 DURHAM, NC Local 506
Wed 5/2 WASHINGTON, DC DC9
Thu 5/3 NEW YORK, NY Le Poisson Rouge
Fri 5/4 BOSTON, MA Johnny D's
Sat 5/5 ROCHESTER, NY Abilene Bar & Grill
Mon 5/7 MONTREAL, QC La Sala Rosa
Wed 5/9 GRAND RAPIDS, MI Pyramid Scheme
Thu 5/10 CHICAGO, IL Old Town (small room)
Fri 5/11 IOWA CITY, IA Englert Theatre
Sat 5/12 LINCOLN, NE Bourbon Theater
Mon 5/14 SALT LAKE CITY, UT Urban Lounge
Sat 5/19 JOSHUA TREE, CA Joshua Tree Music Fest
