JULY 30, 2012
Terakaft Announces New Album
Tuareg Rockers Announce October Release For Kel Tamasheq
by Tom PryorDespite the ongoing turmoil in their homeland, Malian Tuareg desert rockers Terakaft recently announced the upcoming release of Kel Tamasheq, their second album for the Harmonia Mundi/ World Village label.
According to a press release from the label, Kel Tamasheq will be released in the U.S. on October 9th.
For those unfamiliar with Terakaft, here's a brief summary of the band's career so far, from their website:
Terakaft was formed in 2001 by Sanou Ag Ahmed, then based in Kidal, Mali with Kedou Ag Ossad.
Kedou was a member of the original line-up of Tinariwen (four of Kedou's compositions are
embodied on their first international release the Radio Tisdas Sessions).
Liya Ag Ablil (aka Diara), Sanou's uncle, joined the band in 2006. Diara was also an original
member of Tinariwen and was known for his fierce and passionate style of rock'n'roll guitar playing.
He played with Tinariwen for almost 20 years, but stepped back just before Tinariwen started
touring internationally. He's still a close friend of Ibrahim "Abaraybone" Ag Alhabib, and played on
Tinariwen's last album "Imidiwan: Companions" (as did Sanou and Abdallah of Terakaft).
Terakaft recorded their first studio album "Bismilla, The Bko Sessions" in four days at the legendary
Bogolan Studios in Bamako, Mali. Following its release, Terakaft went on their first European tour in
Spring & Autumn of 2007 with its line-up of the time: Sanou, Kedou, Diara and Rhissa Ag Oghram
on the bass.
Terakaft's second album, "Akh Issudar" was produced by Jean-Paul Romann (Tinariwen, Lo'Jo) and
released in 2008. Rhissa, who had left the band prior to the recording, was replaced in 2008 by
Jean- Louis Livenais (of Akeikoi). Terakaft also released an EP of live recordings in 2008, which is a
record of Kedou's last gigs prior to his departure from the band.
Kedou left Terakaft in 2008 as he preferred to remain in the desert, and Diara stepped in as leader
of the band. The band were then joined by Abdallah Ag Ahmed, Sanou's younger brother, making
Terakaft a true family band. Abdallah became the bass player of the band. In 2009, Mahamad Moha
(aka Tohandy) joined the band on percussion for one year. He was replaced in 2010 by Mathias
Vagunez (also of Akeikoi).
The full album announcement is reprinted below.
Tuareg band Terakaft return with new songs in their own distinctive Saharan sound. KEL TAMASHEQ is the follow up to 2011's Aratan N Azawad, a Songlines Top of the World disc praised by the likes of the Financial Times, Uncut Magazine, fRoots and Rhapsody. 2008's Akh Issudar was a Best Album of the Year on NPR, The Village Voice, Emusic and Pitchfork. This new undertaking is produced by Justin Adams - Robert Plant guitarist, Tinariwen producer, and World Village artist - who proves a good match for the band's raw, authentic style. "Where so much in this style gets by on groove and attitude, Terakaft have variety, musicianship and well-crafted melodies on their side." (fRoots)