Terakaft

Terakaft (meaning "The Caravan" in Tamashek) was founded by guitarist/vocalist Kedou Ag Ossad (nicknamed "Khiwaj" or "The Giant") and guitarist/bassist/vocalist Liya Ag Ablil, aka Diara. Both men had previously been members of the Tinariwen ensemble; in fact, Diara is co-leader Inteyeden's younger brother. Each made important contributions to the latter outfit's development, but Kedou, a hero of the Touareg Rebellion, was inspired to leave his Sahara-based hometown of Kidal, Mali for extended stays in Algeria and Libya. Upon his return, he re-established his partnership with Diara and they invited Rhissa Ag Ogham (guitars, vocals – he had been in Libya with Kedou and is also a talented painter) and Sanou Ag Ahmed (guitars, bass, vocals) to join in. Terakaft made its live debut at the 2007 Festival in the Desert, recorded a first album, Bismilla (The Bko Sessions), and embarked upon an extensive European tour. The present CD, which also features a guest turn from singer Issa Dicko, was recorded in Anjou, France, and co-produced by Jean-Paul Romann of the French supergroup Lo'Jo. Shortly thereafter, Terakaft shared the stage with Tinariwen at the famous Olympia concert hall in Paris before appearing with them again at the "Les Nuits Sahariennes d'Essouk" Festival back in Mali. Like their nomadic ancestors before them, Terakaft is hitting the road, carrying their blissfully rocked-out, revolutionary Touareg blues to a fascinated world.