Tamikrest is a cutting-edge 21st-century rock band that just happens to live in the middle of one of the world's most remote deserts. Originally hailing from Kidal, in the northeast of Mali, most of the band now lives in exile in Algeria as a result of ongoing war, persecution and political collapse.
Tamikrest means “crossing” in the language of the Kel Tamashek, a traditionally nomadic Saharan people that is commonly referred to as the Tuaregs. It is an apt name for a band that so successfully merges the values of their timeless culture with the sounds and visions they have encountered on a headlong journey to the concert stages of the world. Echoes of dub, blues, psychedelia, funk and even art-rock are seamlessly weaved into Tamikrest’s increasingly individual take on the Tuareg musical tradition.

Tamikrest was formed in 2006 by Ousmane Ag Mossa, Cheikh Ag Tiglia, and Aghaly Ag Mohamedine in Tinzawaten, on the border between Algeria and Mali. Inspired by the musical heritage of Tinariwen, and driven by the desire to amplify the oppressed voice of the Kel Tamashek people, the group quickly made their mark. Their first two albums, Adagh (2010) and Toumastin (2011), showcased an already sharp sense of melody and songwriting. The arrival of guitarist Paul Salvagnac for their third album, Chatma (2013) reinforced the band's shift towards a more powerful rock sound. Dedicated to the struggles of women in the Sahara, the album was hailed by the specialized press as a major work of the Ishumar or Desert Blues music genre. It was awarded a Songlines Award for Best Album of the Year in 2013. With the release of Kidal (2017) and Tamotait (2020), Tamikrest has further asserted its deep roots in Tamashek tradition, carried by the raw energy of rock. It is above all on stage that the band's psychedelic rock, blending hypnotic trance and melody, fully reveals their power. After numerous tours across Europe, Africa, North and South America, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, Tamikrest have established themselves as a major representative of African music and the international rock scene. It’s a great honor to see them perform their long awaited seventh opus for the first time in our Club.