Etran de L’Aïr (Niger)

Etran de L’Aïr, the (stars of the Aïr region), invite you to the vibrant city of Agadez, the epicentre of Saharan rock. For over 25 years, this family band has been electrifying local circuits with their mesmerising guitar solos and sun-soaked melodies, firmly establishing themselves as the champions of Tuareg guitar music. Hailing from the Abalane neighbourhood near Agadez’s grand mosque, the band members are all brothers and cousins who grew up in this dynamic desert metropolis.

Formed in 1995 by Moussa “Abindi” Ibra, who was only nine years old at the time, Etran de L’Aïr’s journey started humbly with just an acoustic guitar and a calabash used for percussion. Over the years, they painstakingly acquired their instruments, building a reputation by performing wherever they could, often walking for miles with their equipment to reach remote villages. Today, their music represents the heart and soul of Agadez, a crossroads where nomadic traditions meet modern influences.

Agadez’s signature style of guitar music is fast-paced, with electric guitar solos and high-energy drumming. What sets Etran apart is their pan-African approach to music, blending the sounds of Northern Malian blues, Hausa bar bands, and Congolese Soukous.

Their latest self-titled album captures the raw energy of their live performances, recorded in the very place where their journey began. Etran de L’Aïr’s music is a testament to the power of tradition and modernity coming together, with each track offering a rhythm-driven reminder that music can be both celebratory and deeply reflective.