Tamikrest

Melting Vinyl Presents

TAMIKREST

An iconic Saharan rock band, Tamikrest was formed in 2006 by Ousmane Ag Mossa, Cheikh Ag Tiglia, and Aghaly Ag Mohamedine in Tinzawaten, on the border between Algeria and Mali. Inspired by the musical heritage of Tinariwen, and driven by the desire to amplify the oppressed voice of the Kel Tamasheq (Tuareg) people, the group quickly made their mark.

Their first two albums, Adagh (2010) and Toumastin (2011), showcased an already sharp sense of melody and songwriting. The arrival of Paul Salvagnac for their third album, Chatma (2013) reinforced the band’s shift towards a more powerful rock sound. Dedicated to the struggles of women in the Sahara, the album was hailed by the specialized press as a major work of the Ishumar music genre. It was awarded a Songlines Award for Best Album of the Year in 2013.

With the release of Kidal (2017) and Tamotait (2020), Tamikrest has further asserted its deep roots in Tamasheq tradition, carried by the raw energy of rock. It is above all on stage that the band’s psychedelic rock, blending hypnotic trance and melody, fully reveals their power. After numerous tours across Europe, Africa, North and South America, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, Tamikrest have established themselves as a major representative of African music and the international rock scene.

“Lordy, do Tamikrest know how to both rock and roll; wild guitar extemporisations and Entwistle-like bass runs, tipping a hat to both Isaac Hayes and heavy metal
with uncompromising chords” ~ Mojo

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