Tamikrest: Chatma

Desert rhythms pay tribute to the courage of Touareg women

Forced by the political crisis in Mali to take refuge in Algeria, the young Touareg band Tamikrest have recorded a feminist statement: Chatma, meaning “Sisters”, is bolstered by the singing of Tinariwen alumna Wonou Walet Sidati and its songs pay tribute to the courage of Touareg women.

Amid the usual off-kilter desert rhythms, there are innovations ranging from practically-ambient interludes to acoustic ballads.