Ahoulaguine Akaline | Exiled Electric Extremism

"I do not see my guitar as a gun but rather as a hammer with which to help build the house of the Tuareg people."

With over 1400 years of deeply rooted historical and cultural context in a single song, "Ahoulaguine Akaline" comes from a different breed of rebel rockers. Kel Tamasheq, known commonly as the Tuareg people, are an ancient society of nomads and herdsmen that exist across the Western Sahara desert, spread into regions of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Libya and Algeria. For the Tuareg, the desert has always been their home, but this home has come at a great cost to its people. Throughout the 19th century, colonial imposition cut borders across the Sahara desert, dividing the Tuareg into any of these five neighboring nations.

Due to the Tuareg's powerful resistance of French control, their governance and territory was overwritten by colonial rule, while other less threatening nations arose in cooperation with European expansion. From this division came even more violence as the Tuareg community clashed with their new hosts and governments. Yet, as these nations fought for control over the region, so too did the Tuareg continue their fight for autonomy, seeking independence from the powers that they never wished to be a part of.

In this endless rebellion, death, discrimination, and exile had become all too common for the Tuareg people. So, in hopes of returning to an era of peace, many veterans of the rebellion have put down their guns in exchange for guitars, taking to music to celebrate their life, culture, and to bring about an end to this century-old struggle.

Bombino

One such rebel who has gained international recognition for his remarkable talent and career is Omar "Bombino" Moctar. Born in Niger in 1980, Bombino is a Tuareg rock 'n' rebel who learned guitar at a young age, citing Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler as his greatest influences. Dubbed, "The Sultan of Shred," Bombino has long been recognized as one of the world's most talented guitarists, but while his career has gained considerable attraction in recent years, his home life has been all but predictable. In the early 90's, Bombino's family was forced to flee to Algeria to escape the conflict that arose against the Tuareg. It was during this exile that Bombino was first introduced to the guitar, and years later upon his return to Niger, he would join a band where he first received the nickname, "Bombino," which is a variation of the Italian word for, "little child."

Despite returning home, building his career and shaping his path, Bombino was forced into exile once again when Tuareg rebels clashed with the Nigerien government in 2007. Along with Tuareg soldiers, the government also labeled Tuareg guitarists as enemies of the state, due in large part to their rebellious lyrics and opposition of Nigerien control.

It wasn't until 2010 that Bombino would return to his hometown of Agadez. In celebration of the peace treaty between the government and the Tuareg, Bombino was granted permission by the Sultan of Agadez to host a live performance in the center of town, an event that would have been unthinkable just a few years prior.

Ahoulaguine Akaline

The title of this song translates to, “I greet my country,” and it was originally written by another Tuareg rebel, Intayaden, and was later re-imagined by Bombino on his album, Agadez. Though simple in structure, it is in its simplicity that it captures the powerful sentiment of pain and sorrow felt by Bombino, the Tuareg, and all those who understand the context in which it is being sung. Truly, "Ahoulaguine Akaline" is an acknowledgment of the hardship endured by all Kel Tamasheq, but its purpose lies in its ability to connect the people of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Libya, and Algeria together through its music.

"I greet my country where I left my parents

I greet my country

I greet my country where I left my love

I greet my country

I greet my country where I left my community

I greet my country

You know that I am suffering from it

I greet my country"

In collaboration with Playing For Change, "Ahoulaguine Akaline" is the embodiment of our mission to connect the world through music, and this song, in particular, shows us the power of a single song to unite those separated by borders. In the words of PFC co-founder, Mark Johnson, "The unity of musicians around the world playing on this song is a statement that music is part of the foundation from which we rebuild our humanity and our world together". With thanks to Bombino, the PFC team, and the many musicians who made this newest release possible, please enjoy our rendition of "Ahoulaguine Akaline," featuring the world.