Every year, thousands of indie rock fans pride themselves for attending all-day music festivals such as Coachella and All Tomorrow’s Parties. These festivals, however, pale in comparison to the grandiose Festival in the Desert held in Mali’s Essakane. Since 2001, local and international musicians have performed at the African festival to celebrate the diversity of the local culture and fuse music from around the world. Art Power brings the abridged version to campus on April 14.
Sharif Don’t Like It: Tinariwen, a band born in the Tuareg camps of Moammar al-Qadhafi, will play their politically-charged indigenous blues at Price Center Ballroom on April 14.
Suffering from the recent wars in the region have prevented musicians and artists from participating in cultural exchanges. With the end of the Tamashek war in 1996, local Tuareg cultural associations felt that it was time to revive the local tradition of cultural gatherings. During these gatherings, which date back centuries, the Tuareg people would race camels, gossip and listen to music. But the revived festival also brings in international stars (big names like Robert Plant) to make the gathering a true fusion experience.
The abridged version features the highlights from the festival that should excite any world-music fan. The three names to remember are Ramatou Diakite, Markus James and the group Tinariwen. Soulful singer Diakite is regarded as one of Africa’s most daring musicians, venturing not just to the usual pop and roots fusion of world music but hip-hop as well. James, a guitarist, has traveled Mali for years playing with the locals and fusing Mississippi delta blues and Mali culture. Finally, one of the original groups to organize the festival, the internationally acclaimed group Tinariwen, blast passions of resistance and struggle, reflecting the turbulence of their local homeland.
Tinariwen was originally formed in 1992. Their poetry describes the political climate and protests the oppression of the people of Mali. The music they play is a revolution for contemporary Tuareg music; it is also vital for the Tuareg youth, who are spread across countries such as Algeria, Libya, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, to maintain their cultural identity. However, their messages of unity and resistance against oppressors are themes to which any citizen of the world can hum along.
Festival in the Desert will take place at Price Center Ballroom on April 14. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the UCSD Box Office at $18 for students and $36 general.