Were you inspired by western rock n’ roll?

It was something that had risen naturally. We didn’t listen to western rock n’ roll before playing rock ‘n roll. We made it on our own, and our lives were very rock and roll in those times.

During times of political unrest you heard protest music in Africa. At the same time you heard Rock n’ Roll like Jimi Hendrix and Santana. These types of music come from very different places. What do you feel you have in common?

The first time I listened to Jimi Hendrix I felt that If he was alive he would understand. I feel we have a lot in common; It is a part of him. The first time i listened to him, it was as if I had known it forever.

In what ways do you apply traditional Tuareg styles of music on your modern instruments?

It is all based on the traditional Tuareg style, but amplified through the modern instruments. Playing an electric guitar in the desert with your amplifier makes more sound so that people can listen to it. It goes farther than a traditional acoustic instrument.

How would you describe traditional Tuareg music?

It is music full of imagination, fantasy, and quiet. If you understand what it is about, it brings you far away because it is about very rare subjects. We have traditional instruments like the imzhad, which is similar to a violin, and usually played by a woman. Also, instruments like flutes. There are many different kinds.

Many African children build their own instruments because they are not available. Can you tell us about this?

They don’t have the means to have their own so we have to build our musical instruments. There are not a lot of toys in general, so they must imagine them and create them.

What do you find unique about the bass?

We each have a very strong connection with our own instrument. I feel like the bass guitar protects the music; it saves it in my imagination.

When you enter that groove while playing music, how does that feel?

(Laughs) Huge question! When it is very good I disconnect form the world. I’m in another world. Electricity!

Do you think music is powerful enough to spread peace?

Music is the most important weapon-the best weapon. It is much better than any atomic bomb. In fact, music is above any weapon. Even if you don’t know what the music is about, if you like the sound of the music, you will get into it, and appreciate it.

If you were on a mission, what would you say that mission is?

It would be to help our people, our country, and our territory through the drought in our country, and to work with the NGO’s (non-governmental organizations). To help the people, and the community; that is my first hope.

Pages:« Previous Page