Agadez: The Music and the Rebellion

Although this short, colourful documentary focuses to some extent on political issues surrounding a community of nomadic Tuareg people living in Agadez, Niger, it mostly serves as a vibrant promo for talented Tuareg rocker Bombino, a singer/songwriter whose popularity on YouTube has helped spread the word about injustice in the region. Bombino's music  is an infectious fusion of traditional Tuareg and western blues. On first listen, his fuzzy, trill-laden style of improvised electric guitar seems at odds with the traditional backdrop of his sandstone hometown, but after a few minutes of this wondrous music, it all slots perfectly into place. Ry Cooder, hope you're watching.