Bombino, guitarist and composer
Omara «Bombino» Moctar (1980, Tidene) was last November in Madrid and Barcelona presenting his latest album, Sahel. The Nigerino guitarist answered the Black World questions.
Sahel is his eighth album. What will we find in him?
Sahel is a mixture of acoustic and electrical songs. In many of them I have been working for years. It was exciting to finally record those songs and prepare the arrangements with my band. The album was recorded in Casablanca and produced by David Wrench.
In our magazine we publish a list of songs every month. Which one would include?
Would include “Ayo Nigla.”
What is the difference from your previous albums?
I see it as an evolution. I am always absorbing new music and new styles to incorporate them into my sounds. My music is always evolving, but I keep my musical style because I think it is important to never forget your identity, even when you are exploring new directions.
Why is it called Sahel?
I wanted to make an album to talk about life struggles in Sahara, as well as about the issue of the Tuareg people experience. He also wanted to address universal issues such as love, with which everyone can identify. I have tried to show the beauty of the region and also make a call to the unit. Life is hard in Sahel and we can only survive if we stay together and work for peace. Those are the issues I was thinking when I entered the study to record.
Sahel overtraws us to a geography that knows very well. What would you emphasize about northern Niger?
There is a lot of beauty in the amplitude of the desert. When you are there you are in the midst of a humility experience. My hometown, Agadez, is, of course, very close to my heart. The great Agadez mosque is 27 meters high and is the highest built with adobe blocks. The mountains of the air are also a very special visit and you can see a lot of vegetation in the valleys of the mountains. The region has a much greater geographical diversity than you could imagine.
His lyrics are in Tamazhig. Is it important to sing in your language?
With my songs I want to help the listener understand our Tamazight culture. The Tuaregs are cozy because we live in the desert, where it is rare to see other people and have contact with the outside world. Our mission is to tell the entire world that Tuaregs are a cozy people and the best way to do this is in my mother tongue, Tamazight.
In the Tuareg people, politics, history and music are mixed. What weight have politics and history in their musical career?
The history of the Tuaregs has shaped my own life. I have had to flee from Niger twice when I was younger for the political situation in the country. Of course, I have never seen my need to take arms to support the rebel cause because I have always felt that there was a path through music. I have been able to use my guitar to help me in this task and find a path to follow.
What would highlight the current situation in Niger?
These are difficult times for my country. The economic situation is not good, there is a lot of inflation and it is difficult for people to find work. There are also concerns about security in some areas. I pray for Niger every day and I really hope things improve. Anyway, I believe in Niger and whenever I finish my tours I return home.
His grandmother had a very important role in her childhood. Is that reflected in its musical creation?
My grandmother helped me and supported me during my childhood. He loved me a lot and inspired me a sense of creativity. When you are growing it is very important to have someone who believes you are special.
When did you decide to devote to music?
More or less when I was 15 years old I decided that I needed to become a musician. My father, however, did not support me, and that created a lot of conflict. Precisely my grandmothers’ support meant during this stage.
It is said that blues and rock Tuareg are the main characteristics of its style. What are the elements that differentiate it from blues and traditional rock?
The melodies, rhythms and phrases are unique in my music. My rhythms have a connection with the last generation of Berber music. The melodies also come from a long tradition.
What are your main influences when composing?
Tinariwen is a very important band for musicians Tuaregs and I usually play some of their songs in my concerts. Abdallah Ombadougou was like a father for Tuaregs musicians and was also very important to me. The musical and virtuosity of Ali Farka Touré has inspired me and has shown me a path that African guitarists can take. I have always been a big fan of Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler and I have learned a lot from their guitar toe when I was younger.
What does the desert bring when composing?
In my opinion it is the best place to create and listen to music. Sound and music in the desert carry a power, so you have the feeling that when you hold an instrument in your hand and touch it, you are completing an image that, otherwise, would be incomplete.
What is the role of the guitar among the Tuaregs?
The guitar is our alternative to weapons. It can raise a change and be a call to action, can unite us. The world would be a much better place if all weapons were replaced by guitars.
Tuaregs are, as a general rule, a nomadic people. Does it carry on the blood to tour or is it a different nomadic type of life?
I think I carry in my blood to tour, I always carry the guitar with me and I am well traveling without many possessions. Although, anyway, I miss my family. The hardest thing about the tour is being without my family.
What is more proud after 30 years of musical career?
What I am most proud is of the role that I am playing in the preservation of the Tuareg culture. I am able to inspire a younger generation to preserve our language and our culture.
He has been the first Nigerino to be nominated for a Grammy award. Do you feel the responsibility of being one of the most recognized ambassadors of the musical traditions of your people?
Yes, I do feel a great responsibility when representing the Tuareg people around the world, but it is also a great honor and a privilege. If it were not for Tuareg music, nothing may be known about our culture in another way.
In relation to your musical career, if you could choose, what three dreams would you like to fulfill in the next ten years?
I hope there is peace in Niger and Sahel, and I want my music to make a small difference and help you get it. I would also like to make new collaborations. I have had several very interesting musical companions during the last ten years and I am looking forward to see who will be the following. I also hope to play in new countries. I have been very lucky to play in many places around the world, but there are a few places where I have not yet had the opportunity to do so.
