Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. This African country, which largely consists of the Sahara desert, is culturally very diverse because it is home to no fewer than eleven different ethnic groups. As a symbol of peace and reconciliation, musicians from two diverse nomadic tribes, the Touaregs and Woodabe, united in the group Etran Finatawa. The Woodabe, heralds of brown cattle, are
… famous for their annualrewol ceremony where young men paint their faces colorfully and dance in slow motion. Their polyphonic vocals and absence of instruments are special. The veiled Touaregs, camel keepers, use instruments such as violins and percussion for their repetitive songs. In Etran Finatawa, meaning “Stars of Tradition”, these traditional instruments are complemented by electric guitars. Lead singer and guitarist Ghalitane Khamidoune made arrangements in which both music cultures merge. The album Introducing Etran Finatawa was more or less recorded live in France by producer Chris Birkett. In a powerful, hypnotic style, the group performs songs about recognizable topics such as their livestock, survival, Islam, beauty, love and a camel race. Maleele and Ronde are 'healing songs'. (SvdP)more
