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Zook Beat caught up with Terakaft during their recent US tour. This marked the second US tour for the band. A quartet of players - here to share the rebellious rock of the desert.
In this particular tour, due to visa issues the band consisted of two original members plus two recruits in NY.. though on stage, one felt that the group was as tight as in previous configurations.
The energy is high on stage yet trance like. Terakaft's sound is primarily guitar-driven in the style known as assouf among the Tuareg people. Like another famous Desert Rockers Tinariwen, Terakaft chant and express in their music the nostalgic feel of the desert. It is the constant search for the unknown, the horizons of the desert, water, love, shelter, and community. The Temalshek people are nomadic; the recent political and religious situation in Northern Mali where Terakaft is from has affected the group's life. The leader of the group Diara (once a member of Tinariwen) lives over the border in Algeria. When I spoke with him he expressed concern and bewilderment over the current state of affairs in Mali. Though he wants the nomadic lifestyle of Tuaregs to be protected, he hopes that Mali will be united again as one nation.
Another crux for the Temalshek people is that currently all Western and non devotional music has been outlawed. Militants have burned instruments and amplifiers, and musicians have been threatened with amputation or worse for doing what they love. These rebel rockers are taking a step in voicing their choices and life outside of Mali... and keeping the torch alive. "It's a choice because my life is as a musician," he says, "With the current strict Islamic laws there is no way to live in Mali today."
When I asked him if he wants to return to Mali one day, he said of course. Some live by the border and still maintain ties with family and friends.. ultimately it is difficult time for all. For those of us outside of Mali, we are grateful that they can share with us, their story, music and love for their beautiful desert. Rock on!
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