MDOU MOCTAR – Live in Niamey, Niger (2021)

Mdou Moctar is a Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Agadez, Niger, who performs modern rock music inspired by Tuareg guitar music. His music first gained attention through a trading network of mobile phones and memory cards in West Africa. He sings in the Tamasheq language. Moctar’s fourth album, Ilana: The Creator (2019), was the first to feature a full band. He plays guitar in the takamba and assouf styles.

In winter 2020, the Mdou Moctar band met up in Niamey, the capital of Niger, to record a few songs in anticipation of the release of, Afrique Victime. We were staying on the outskirts of town at a friend’s home. One day, we quietly set up in front of the house to film a few songs. Despite our relative isolation, the noise of the band inevitably attracted a crowd. What started as the four of us simply playing a few songs for a camera turned into a three-night run of rowdy concerts, bringing in hundreds of eager listeners. Each night, kids from all over the city would line up at our door, rushing over after their final evening prayer. These performances were completely spontaneous and wholly unplanned. Thanks to our audience, we were able to capture the spectacular energy of a typical Niamey concert for you. We’re thrilled about it and hope you will be, too. Enjoy!

Footage shot by: Mamadou Halidou & WH Moustapha / Dynamique image Audio Recorded by: Mikey Coltun Video edited by: Sabrina Nichols Mixed and Mastered by Seth Manchester at Machines with Magnets