In the wake of the political upheaval of their homelands in the Sahara and their current exile to Algeria, Tamikrest have recorded their third album, Chatma, set for release on September 16 on Glitterbeat Records.
Chatma, meaning "sisters", is the first album the band have recorded around a defined theme. Responding to the imposition of Sharia law in their hometown and the refugee status of many of their friends and families, they have dedicated this record, in their own words, to "The courage of the Tuareg women, who have ensured both their children’s survival and the morals of their fathers and brothers."
You can watch the album trailer below, in which they talk more about the turmoil that inspired the album and play their distinctive desert rock. Tamikrest are also playing a number of dates in the UK in support of their new record – have a listen to album cut ‘Imanin bas zihoun’ below, with the tour listings following:
JULY
Sun 21 – Latitude Festival, Southwold
Fri 26 – Womad Festival, Malmesbury
OCTOBER
Wed 16 – The Sage, Gateshead
Fri 18 – Howard Assembly Room, Leeds
Sat 19 – Musicport Festival, Whitby
Sun 20 – XOYO, London
Mon 21 – Djanogly Theatre, Nottingham
Tue 22 – Komedia, Brighton
Wed 23 – Colston Hall II, Bristol
Thu 24 – Arts Centre, Norwich