Cyd-Gynhyrchiad Pontardawe Arts Centre | Push4 | Taliesin Arts Centre | Theatr Mwldan Co-Production

Tour Dates: 20 – 21 May 2008

Tinariwen are one of the great musical success stories of recent years. Emerging from the Sahara Desert in 2002, they have grabbed the attention of world music and rock fans alike, stormed the album charts and left a trail of critical acclaim and stunning live appearances behind them. Their seductive snaking electric guitars, rolling rhythms and desert-dry sound make for an awesome musical experience. Rebellion and rock’n’roll have been strutting hand-in-hand for more than half a century, but only very rarely has their union involved real weapons and a painful struggle for survival. In the early 1990s, Tinariwen fought a rebellion against the government of Mali to win greater freedom and self-determination for the Touareg people of the southern Sahara. The fight gave birth to a whole new style of desert music, which Tinariwen invented and have since used to carry their message of desert pride and survival to the four corners of the globe. Their roots rock rebellion of the soul is one of the most entrancing sounds to emerge from Africa in years. The support of celebrity fans from Robert Plant to Radiohead’s Thom Yorke plus support slots with The Rolling Stones have further elevated their rebel rock status, and recent albums have been greeted with four- and five-star reviews in the rock press and national media.

Often referred to as the UK’s answer to Ry Cooder, Justin Adams has an unmatched knowledge of both blues and African styles, co-wrote the acclaimed Robert Plant album Mighty Rearranger, and has produced two of Tinariwen’s albums. Adams is joined by Juldeh Camara, a Gambian griot and master musician, who plays the ritti, a one-stringed fiddle. Deep and ancient trance-like rhythms are combined with the crackle of rock and roll electricity and desert blues.

Tour Venues:

Pontardawe Arts Centre

The Point, Cardiff

This event is being supported by the Arts Outside Cardiff scheme, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government via The Arts Council of Wales