Akounak: Purple Rain in the Sahara

The MATATU Performance Series continues with ‘Akounak: Purple Rain in the Sahara’ on Saturday, September 9.

7:30-1:30AM

TICKETS

The internets went wild over a film excerpt featuring Tuareg (Niger) guitarist Mdou Moctar last year. We are excited to present Mdou and his band in performance following a screening of the film, ‘Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai,’ also known as the Tuareg Purple Rain!

A director’s talk follows with filmmaker Chris Kirkley plus the Radio Afrique dance party!

Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai
Film • Concert • Dance Party
September 9 • Starline Social Club
Earlybird 5-10 / GA 10-20
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In the somewhat crowded scene of Tuareg guitarists, MDOU MOCTAR stands apart from his peers. One of the few original singer/songwriters willing to experiment and push the boundaries of the genre, his unconventional styles have won him accolades both in Niger and abroad.

Mdou Moctar hails from Abalak, in the Azawagh desert of Niger. He taught himself the guitar at a young age on a homemade instrument. Inspired by returning Ishumar (see below *), Mdou traveled the road to Libya where he traveled and worked odd jobs. As chance had, he would meet some of the now famous guitarists and further his musical studies. He returned home with a guitar and a dream.

Rising to the status as local celebrity, in 2008 he traveled to Nigeria to record his first album “Anar” – a psychedelic electronic album of Tuareg guitar, became an instant success throughout the mp3 networks of West Africa. “Tahoultine,” one of the standout tracks, was later featured on the compilation “Music from Saharan Cellphones.”

In 2013, he released his first international album, “Afelan,” rocking and raw sessions recorded live at his hometown in Niger. This was followed by the 2014 vinyl release of “Anar.” In 2015, he starred in the first ever Tuareg language film, a fictional story of the struggle of a guitarist trying to make it against all odds in Agadez. The film continues to be screened at festivals around the world. Presenters may be interested in combining a film screening in conjunction with a performance by the band.
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MATATU is a platform for conversation, experience, and expression that helps ordinary people share their journeys. Together, we hope to enhance empathy and understanding of the global human condition.

We are fiscally sponsored project of Intersection for the Arts, and supported by KQED, East Bay Express, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Learn more about us at www.matatu.co