Tinariwen Returns to Their Roots with Hoggar
A new album recorded in the Algerian desert marks a poignant homecoming for the legendary Tuareg collective, blending generations of musicians and voices.
"I want them to feel the original, true sound of Tamasheq music."
— Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni
A Homecoming in the Hoggar
Tinariwen, the pioneering collective of Tuareg musicians, has released their latest album, Hoggar. Recorded in Tamanrasset, southern Algeria, this marks the band's first time recording close to their ancestral home in a long period. The album is named after the mountainous desert region where it was made.
Generations Reunited
The recording of Hoggar is a deeply collaborative family affair.
- A long-awaited return: The album features former member Diarra (Liya Ag Ablil) for the first time in two decades, playing on six tracks.
- Old and new: It includes veteran members like Wonou alongside younger musicians Sadam, Hicham, and Haibalah.
- Collaborators: Local musicians from the group Terakaft and female vocalists, including Sudanese singer Sulafa Elyas, contribute to the album.
One standout track is a cover of "Sagherat Assani," a Sudanese song performed with Sulafa Elyas.
Music Born from Struggle and Exile
Formed in 1979, Tinariwen blends indigenous Tuareg music with guitar-based rock, creating songs of protest, love, and hope. Their members grew up during periods of rebellion and exile.
The band's music has faced direct threats. Tuareg secular music was banned in Northern Mali during the 2012 occupation by the Islamist group Ansar el Dine. Today, founding guitarist Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni states that the Malian army, with Russian mercenaries, currently threatens Tuareg civilians in Kidal, forcing many to flee to southern Algeria.
On the future of his people, Alhousseyni offered a somber reflection:
"Honestly, I'm not really positive about the future of our people. There are moments of joy, but there isn't much hope at the moment."
Preserving Culture and Amplifying Women's Voices
The band sees music as a vital tool for cultural preservation. Alhousseyni hopes the album will foster greater understanding of Tamasheq culture—its poetry, music, and craftsmanship.
A key goal of Hoggar was to promote female musicians. Alhousseyni explained:
"It was important for us to ... promote that and perhaps inspire new women to feel confident and legitimate in making music."
He noted that climate change and political instability have forced many Tuareg women into settled lifestyles, leading to a loss of musical traditions.
A Changing Audience
While Tuareg music functions as oral history and community bonding—and other Tamasheq acts like Mdou Moctar, Bombino, and Etran de L'Aïr have gained global recognition—Alhousseyni observes a shift at home.
He noted declining interest in their music among younger audiences in West Africa, who now prefer the popular sounds of Amapiano and Afrobeats.
Global Connections
Despite the challenges, Tinariwen continues to tour. The band last visited Australia in 2024, where they particularly enjoyed meeting Indigenous communities with whom they share common experiences.