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Mdou Moctar signs to Matador records, releases video for Chismiten
He also has a new full-length album on the way for next year.
Image: Ollie Millington / Getty
Tuareg guitarist and songwriter Mdou Moctar has signed to Matador records, and shared a video for his new song Chismiten. It comes ahead of a new full-length record from Moctar, set to arrive next year.
The video blends illustrations by artist Robert Beatty with animation and cellphone footage shot in Niger, capturing wedding performances by the band, their friends and family, the markets in Niamey and Agadez, and the famous Agadez Mosque. You can take a look above.
Mdou Moctar is best known for his electric interpretation of traditional Tuareg music, along with his leading role in Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai – a Tuareg language retelling of Prince’s Purple Rain. His latest release was Ilana: The Creator, a studio record recorded with his live band: bassist and producer Mikey Coltun, drummer Souleymane Ibrahim, and rhythm guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane.
The thing that brought Moctar to Matador’s attention was his and his band’s energetic live performances. “At our concerts we never talk about the music we are going to play, never write out a setlist, it’s whatever comes to my head that I’m feeling”, Mdou said of his approach to playing live. “My band is always with me listening”.