From the heart of Tamanrasset in southern Algeria, Imarhan transcend Tuareg tradition by weaving hypnotic synthesizers with desert blues.
The result is a timeless work—deeply rooted in respect for their origins yet vibrant with a moving sense of modernity. ESSAM is the band’s fourth album, recorded with the same core lineup, yet it marks a significant shift in sound and approach. Musically, it represents a departure from the rock-influenced, bluesy, psychedelic, guitar-driven Tuareg sound—shaped by Tinariwen’s legacy—toward something more open, modern, and experimental.
For the first time, their longtime sound engineer Maxime Kosinetz took on the role of producer. He traveled to Tamanrasset with Emile Papandreou (of the French duo UTO)—a multi-instrumentalist who introduced electronic elements by sampling live instruments and reworking them in real time.
Additional information
Participating artists
Imarhan
Dates
April 2026
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