Tinariwen – ‘Chet Boghassa’ from Amassakoul

I chose this song because I’m a revolutionary, I was born that way. It’s in my blood. This song really talks about Tuareg resistance, some of the lyrics are incredible. And Tinariwen are really foundational for Tuareg music. They inspired lots of people and opened up opportunities for people to become artists. I really like the Amassakoul album, because there are a few love songs but it’s mostly songs about Tuareg resistance. Love and revolution are the two song subjects that interest me. But now with all the problems we don’t have time for the romantic stuff. It’s not that love becomes more difficult in the circumstances, you just can’t be in love at all in the middle of war, in the midst of this despair. No-one wants to hear love songs, so you have to write things to encourage people.