Tinariwen to perform in Malaysia

THE Grammy Award-winning Tuareg musicians from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali, Tinariwen, renowned for their mesmerising Sahara blues sound, are scheduled to headline a captivating show in Malaysia.

Organised by Pusaka and the Embassy of the Republic of France, the upcoming concert, Tinariwen: Returns to Malaysia 2023, is scheduled to be held on Dec 15 at JioSpace in Petaling Jaya.

Tinariwen will be performing their second concert here in Malaysia, as part of their Asian Tour 2023. Other stopovers are India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. The upcoming performance marks their return to Malaysia since the group’s initial show in 2017.

Tinariwen are pioneers of the Assouf musical genre, commonly referred to as Sahara blues.

This genre seamlessly blends ancient Tuareg melodies and rhythms with the resonance of electric guitars and evocative vocals. With a career spanning decades, Tinariwen consistently pushes musical boundaries, captivating global audiences with their distinctive sound that effortlessly fuses traditional Tuareg music with modern influences.

Hailed as one of the most inventive bands in the world music scene, Tinariwen assure an enchanting evening that transports audiences to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Sahara.

The concert will feature songs from their latest album Amatssou, praised for its poignant lyrics and rhythmic melodies, alongside some of their well-established compositions.

Fans and music enthusiasts can expect a unique cultural experience as Tinariwen take the stage — a rare chance for Malaysian audiences to witness the band’s unmatched musical brilliance and to take part in a cultural journey that transcends borders.

Alongside Tinariwen’s musical spectacle, the opening performances will showcase Nading Rhapsody, an indigenous world music ensemble from Sarawak and the traditional drummers of Chinna Rasa Urumee Melum Masana Kali.

These performers hope to infuse a uniquely Malaysian essence into the evening, crafting a cultural blend that reflects the country’s diversity.

Tickets for the concert will be sold in three different categories - Oasis (seated), Sahara (standing) and Dune (mezzanine standing), with prices ranging from RM350 to RM200 and RM250 respectively.

Attendance at the event will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis, with no seating reservations required. Tickets are available for purchase at Jiotix.asia.