Drumming Up a Desert Storm
Charlie Kimber discovers an unlikely festival sensation.
He went into battle with a Kalashnikov in his hand and an electric guitar strapped to his back.' The man in question, Keddou ag Ossad, is one of the central figures in the history of a band called Tinariwen. It has become one of the most popular acts at festivals such as Glastonbury and Womad, and their albums are now reaching a global audience.
This is not some easy listening 'world music'. Their latest album, Amassakoul, still has the power and lyricism that have made them so popular.