Tinariwen

Tinariwen are a group of former Touareg warriors, one of the most exciting musical exports to emerge from West Africa. Distilled over 20 years of struggle, rebellion and exile, their rolling grooves and uncompromising messages of simplicity and freedom, have earned them countless accolades and the attention of high-profile fans such as Robert Plant, Santana, Edge and Thom Yorke. In June they played to an audience of millions as part of the World Cup celebrations. And in July they’re playing for you in Birmingham!

‘Sensational’ Andy Kershaw

‘. . . sounds thrillingly unlike anything else on the planet’ Q

‘[Tinariwen] strode out of the Sahara with the best rock album of the year, suggesting a gathering of the greatest guitars you’ve ever heard – John Lee Hooker, Jimi Hendrix, electric Bob Dylan – burnt into new shapes by the desert sun’. Sunday Times

‘This extraordinary band are clearly pushing for more than cult world music status. They fully merit it.’ Uncut

‘If you make one discovery this year, make it Tinariwen.’ Marie Claire

Watch Tinariwen’s World Cup performance