Niger's Etran Finatawa ("stars of the tradition") are actually anything but traditional: they overthrow cultural barriers by joining the forces of two very separate (and sometimes warring) nomadic groups: the Wodabe and Touareg. Inspired by Tinariwen's political desert blues, the band formed in part to protest the discrimination both ethnic groups face -- and also to cash in on the growing fascination with desert music. But what counts here is the music: an entrancing melange of Wodabe and Touareg traditional songs dominated by the same hypnotic, rolling desert blues that makes Tinariwen so inviting. But Etran Finatawa one-ups the Malian band, giving phenomenal renderings of traditional ceremonial healing songs and showcasing traditional instruments like the water-filled calabash.
- Sarah Bardeen
Niger's Etran Finatawa ("stars of the tradition") are actually anything but traditional: they overthrow cultural barriers by joining the forces of two very separate (and sometimes warring) nomadic groups: the Wodabe...
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Etran Finatawa Feeds |
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1. Tekana (5:28) | Desert Crossroads | $0.99 |
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2. Soto (5:50) | Desert Crossroads | $0.99 |
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3. Amidinine (4:28) | Desert Crossroads | $0.99 |
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4. Aliss (6:49) | Introducing | $0.99 |
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5. Maleele (4:52) | Introducing | $0.99 |
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6. Iriarer (5:56) | Introducing | $0.99 |
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7. Ekenan (6:40) | Introducing | $0.99 |
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8. Anadjibo (5:27) | Introducing | $0.99 |
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9. Ronde (5:08) | Introducing | $0.99 |
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10. Heeme (4:22) | Introducing | $0.99 |
