Following the release of their latest album Hoggar, Malian Tuareg band Tinariwen have announced an Australian tour, taking in Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Hobart, Brisbane, as well as two shows at WOMADelaide.
Formed in northern Mali in 1979, Tinariwen champion their people’s nomadic culture, rooted in the desert borderlands between Mali and Algeria. They are pioneers of assouf, or desert blues, using their music to convey the struggles, exile and hopes of the Tuareg people. Their sound blends traditional Saharan and Arab music with Western blues.
Their latest album was recorded in Tamanrasset, capital of Algeria’s Hoggar region, hence the title. Founding member Liya “Diarra” Ag Ablil is back with the group after two decades, playing guitar across six of the album’s tracks. The album also features Swedish singer-guitarist José González and Sudanese singer and oud player Sulafa Elyass.
Tinariwen have had a prolific output, playing more than 1,270 concerts and releasing ten albums. They have collaborated with many respected artists including Kurt Vile, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Micah Nelson, Jack White, Flea and Warren Ellis.
You can catch the band in February and March 2027 at the following locations:
TINARIWEN — 2027 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Friday 26 February — Odeon, Hobart, TAS
Tuesday 2 March — City Recital Hall, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 3 March — The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday 4 March – The Northern, Byron Bay , NSW
Sunday 7 & Monday 8 March — WOMADelaide, Adelaide, SA
Thursday 11 March — Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 14 March – WOMAD NZ, Taranaki, New Zealand
TICKETS
Presale begins Monday 21 September – signup HERE
General public on-sale Wednesday 23 September.
Header image supplied
