Mdou Moctar: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bob Boilen | May 24, 2021
Get ready for some fiery desert guitar-shredding, Saharan style, with the music of Mdou Moctar. Producer and American bassist Mikey Coltun told me that "the concert was filmed outside of the house we were all staying at in Niamey, Niger, in November/December 2020." He continued, "As with any sort of musical happenings in the region, once some music is blasted, that's an invitation for anyone to come join, sing, clap, dance, and just come together as a community. We wanted to present the Tiny Desk exactly like this, from when we started playing to finally the energy growing with fans crowded around filming on their cell phones and passing around Tuareg tea."
The (home) concert starts off with Mahamadou Souleymane, a.k.a. Mdou Moctar, playing a melodic line on acoustic guitar, with Ahmoudou Madassane on rhythm guitar, Souleymane Ibrahim playing percussion on a calabash, and Mikey Coulton on his Fender Mustang bass on the song "Ya Habibti" from the album Afrique Victime. It's an album of songs dealing with intense subjects close to Mdou Moctar's heart: colonialism, exploitation, inequality, but also love.
You can hear the real musical fire on the last song, the roughly 7-minute psych-rock title track to Afrique Victime. "Africa is a victim of so many crimes," Mdou Moctar sings in French."If we stay silent, it will be the end of us." Silence is not something in Mdou Moctar's vocabulary.
SET LIST
"Ya Habibti"
"Tala Tannam"
"Afrique Victime"
MUSICIANS
Mahamadou "Mdou Moctar" Souleymane: lead guitar, vocals
Ahmoudou Madassane: rhythm guitar, vocals
Mikey Coltun: bass
Souleymane Ibrahim: calabash
CREDITS
Video: Mamadou Halidou, WH Moustapha, Sabrina Nichols
Audio: Mikey Coltun, Seth Manchester
Special Thanks: Dynamique Image and Machines with Magnets
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Kara Frame
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Maia Stern, Gabrielle Pierre
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #mdoumoctar

[@liambunin6541]

Met him first in Niger, then years later he came to my small home town in New Brunswick (Canada). Spent the next day with them showing them around town, all such incredibly kind-hearted and interesting people.

[@SteveBonus]

He came to New Brunswick?!?!? As a fellow NBer, oh mannnnn I wish I had been aware of him at the time. Hope you left a big enough impression on him to convince him to come back once travel gets going again!

[@mikeisnotcreative]

You’ve done well

[@bennettstone656]

You are so lucky to have an experience like that. Cheers Human

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Liam, so jealous... Mdou seems like a very powerful soul to be around. Stoic and kind at once! Im going to see them in Atlanta on their upcoming tour. I really hope they find success and succeed in spreading the albums message.

[@lucashaywardmusic578]

Oh man, if he ever makes it to moncton it's one of the few shows I'd get exited for!

[@SirSneakerPimp]

One of the best things about this band is how unpretentious they are. No extravagantly expensive equipment, just what gets the emotion accomplished.

[@flimzy321]

I saw these guys 2 years ago in a tiny bar and it was one of the best live shows ive ever seen, and I am a live sound engineer. they are also incredibly kind. i'm so happy to see them here.

[@thesuncollective1475]

They are very chill

[@nullobject5943]

@@PAPERWEIGHTPRODUCTIONS Thanks for the heads up! See you sept 8!

[@dloorkour1256]

@Nastro Adhesivo That didn't stick

[@MixMastaCopyCat]

@Nastro Adhesivo You must live in a world of utter genius if that's one of the "dumbest remarks you've ever read"

[@husainkarrar8896]

Show off...

[@NasiPadangAmpera]

Long live Tuareg rock music

[@bennettstone656]

nice pfp

[@apararkobhattacharya1276]

Infest the rats nest

[@naufalziz7369]

Mantap nasi padang

[@elvans8385]

jadi laper

[@rasta-moumou9749]

As usual man...Africa is like a pandora box...full of magical talents and skills...bless you brother moctar .thank you NPR for spreading love all over the world...

[@pav5355]

love the grins at 6:18, you can tell this band loves playing together. would love to see them someday

[@benjaminpagani3762]

If you live in the United States, they are touring with Parquet Courts this spring!

[@zagmazmatron]

I realize your comment is 3y old, but I saw them at a festival in my town over the weekend and they exceeded my already high expectations. I'll be seeing them again in October!

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Ya Habibti* 3:48 - *Tala Tannam* (9:03) 9:11 - *Afrique Victime* [16:07 - Tiny Desk team]

[@boondocksdragon8959]

Thank you! 😆✌🏼

[@VikCalo]

Mashallah 💯

[@Nico-vr8ec]

Tarhatazed is missing, 9:10 :)

[@jennieshively3187]

This is an Exceptional Group!

[@justadad2304]

Reminds of Tinariwen, another phenomenal group. Thank you Tiny Desk, for bringing us this lavish moment.

[@GLD516]

Pumped to see this band in Brooklyn this summer 2024!

[@zagmazmatron]

I just saw them over the weekend and they blew me away. Made plans to see them in Burlington this October.

[@stevennoronha4653]

I swear every time I come to KZbin to watch live performances of my fav artists I look them up and theres a tiny desk vid of them posted like 5 hours ago and the timing just amazes me

[@mikeisnotcreative]

6:15- drummer Souleymane and bassist Mikey appreciating it all ♥️♥️♥️

[@ConnerLevi]

Africa has some of the best music

[@shannonkhalid1187]

Mikey Coltun killin it on the bass

[@leopabe]

Absolutely phenomenal! Love the new album! Needs to be an African Guitar Fest!

[@Nichi-Ji]

There are a few African blues festivals

[@fatimanefertiti7826]

Agreed

[@tanyapineda7212]

You can't go wrong with a song that starts out "habibti"😍💞❤. Can't wait to see yas play!

[@wolfpants]

Starting at 6:15 is one of the sweetest, most heart-warming things I'd care to see

[@4ad_official]

HUGE !

[@aeyarr9482]

So glad they made it into npr. these guys are amazing

[@PabloSilva-mb2qy]

I'm Brazilian and addicted to good sounds so in a search for good guitar-based music I found Mdou Moctar, a true gem, this is so good!

[@dylanmoses6354]

check out Tinariwen, he's another great Saharan guitar player

[@PabloSilva-mb2qy]

@@dylanmoses6354 hey, thanks dude, i really liked it!!!

[@dylanmoses6354]

@@PabloSilva-mb2qy awesome!

[@majorgruber5925]

You'd probably like Habib Koite, too! From Mali. More of that "Modern-Traditional" West African music.

[@PabloSilva-mb2qy]

@@majorgruber5925 hey, thanks man, i'm checking it right now.

[@isaaclikeafox]

That last song just hit me in the soul. I'm gone!

[@mightydorchux]

I'm pretty sure the existence of the internet has given me the privilege of hearing this music. I'm a blessed man, thank you God

[@jeffreykerr76]

Give them your attention, give them your money. Keep them playing.

[@bigappleheart]

Extraordinary and beautiful music we are so lucky to have mdou moctar

[@tonydamari9468]

I'm always in awe whenever I hear these guys play guitar.

[@funkwiccas7860]

Amazing amazing amazing!!! 🙏🏾 I love you Africa 💜💜💜

[@peacetea1001]

And we rocking with mark. Cause he rocking with us.

[@omairsh8]

He's invited to all the Tuareg cookouts

[@VikCalo]

The desert blues are special. 1 of a kind. Trust in Allah but tie your camel 🌄🐪 🌄

[@williamchristian8705]

Mduo and the group are something special. They enjoy performing. They play for the love of playing. Not fame or fortune to me. That’s pure.

[@Sssteelo]

It’s 5am no sleep, this is perfect

[@Robert_Herring]

Brilliant! The whole album is a masterpiece. Great to see it performed in such a laid back manner.

[@silviajones2383]

Love to mdou moctar and his people. You are beautful. Please teach the rest of us

[@MsAnnsBanans]

Just learned about Mdou Moctor on Wednesday and now a tiny desk! Love it!

[@boywon]

Nice

[@floremilialeoncubero6212]

Wow! Their music is a gift for my soul... Thank you for sharing your talents! Greetings from Costa Rica...

[@vedatonurylmaz6220]

Y’all have to watch his movie too. It’s amazing. Mdou is phenomenal.

[@ufukkeles6229]

Afrique victim will stay as my fav song for a while. Those 80s toms in studio version makes that song what it is but this live version is cute too. Keep up the good work❤❤❤

[@jefersonnicolau5948]

It just dont get out of my head

[@SPLENDIDZEN]

(S) Excelente música muchachos!!!... Saludos cordiales desde Málaga, Andalucía, España!!!... (E) Excellent music guys!!!... Kind regards from Malaga, Andalusia, Spain!!!... (A) موسيقى رائعة يا رفاق أطيب التحيات من ملقة ، الأندلس ، إسبانيا

[@sajjadimam6067]

Never heard him before but I love the music.🥰

[@sarahlovesdonuts9601]

Four hims

[@august88837]

Dats wat npr is about discovering new music , I discovered a lot of new artist on here

[@edpatronick8472]

Seems i find many obscure bands just turning into. KEXP. Seattle radio. Many play there before starting the US tour. Some really funky stuff. Shame Seattle became a cesspool, been a music hub for years. From Sudan so poor he made his first guitar.

[@tanyasharadamba1264]

🌹❤️ Long Live Mdou Moctar & this incredible band!❤️🌹

[@patrickoneill1993]

Masterclass. Impossible not to dance to Afrique Victime. Thank you. -PO

[@oscarames71]

Is that the name translated to French?

[@qiai1750]

Awesome! I really digg this band. There is excellent guitar playing going on, it just blows my mind.

[@seckhoffable]

Desert surf music. I love it.

[@rodrigoalvesduran]

If Hendrix was born Touareg ... incredibly unique! Awesome!

[@bobsiburton861]

THE MDOU MOCTOR EXPERIENCE. I needed this, beautiful, transportational vibe, thanks for reaching me, don't understand a word, but its music captivates😊

[@watvrwemakemusic1983]

This is the future of cool... We jam using this formula as well! Much better for connecting with folks! Bless the new styles ✌️

[@wolfpants]

Made me think of We Jam Econo. I think D. Boon would approve.

[@tanyasharadamba1264]

They are more incredible than I can even describe in person! ❤️ Don't miss them on tour!

[@flordenopal5250]

I have allways adored Touareg music. I wonder if I will learn Berber language someday.

[@geoffreydonaldson2984]

Man! Outta sight! Moctar is my new guitar guy! Thank you PBS for covering his story!

[@andreyreverb]

Saudações brasileiras! Vocês são demaaaais!!!

[@d4nKm3rman]

Saw them open for Parquet Courts in Chicago last night🔥🔥🔥 Love seeing bands you’d never think you’d see because they’re so international

[@awrebyawe]

Oh I love this guy!! Great to see him here, what a boss

[@antoniobanderas9769]

Awesome ! I heard about M.Moctar When they played in Seattle WA , since that time I been listening the Saharan desert blues. Blessing & greetings from the Sonoran Desert . HMO.,Mexico .

[@austinginn5305]

This guys guitar playing is unreal

[@erickmoreka3800]

You should listen to the album, real calming

[@austinginn5305]

@@erickmoreka3800 I am currently! Also noticed theyre playing a show in Sept near me so will def be snagging some tickets to that too

[@erickmoreka3800]

@@austinginn5305 very well and thank you, there's so much genre in Africa and the world in general to be discovered.

[@TheValleho]

I’m in love with them 😍😍😍

[@Antaranch]

the drummer is on fire

[@crumblers_wisdom6423]

my boys getting the attention they deserve :)

[@erlineandrews]

Clicked on this as soon as I saw it. I can't get enough of his new album.

[@SaadTFarooqi]

I'm OBSESSED with this song!

[@jni9362]

Ahhhhhh I love these guys!!

[@timilehinomolehin9895]

simply beautiful

[@stephanejantet4280]

Magnifique ...

[@icaremore]

Reminds me of Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté. African Malian. The percussion here sounds very similar.

[@nochepatada]

Have you heard Bombino?

[@bamanahistoryandculture6904]

Related ethnic groups

[@user-po4dv9sp3n]

Sahelian sahara style , the African sahara is the common link

[@WeedWizardthedungeonmaster]

Hermoso! Que ganas tenía de verlos! Llevo escuchado mucho su álbum que es una verdadera joya!

[@dyrldouglas2087]

Santana intro'd me to this sound. Music is the true "Universal Language".

[@kittymacalister7981]

Just heard him for the first time on RNZ. Blissful.

[@parise9505]

First time hearing them, won't be the last 🔥

[@2fromage963]

Please come to Japan I’d like to see the show!

[@apararkobhattacharya1276]

I was just watching mdou on kexp and i get this. Today isnt that bad a day.

[@johnadams1147]

Cheers, I'm off there next. I love this channel and KEXP - Happy Monday!

[@mindblots]

Feels like sahara desert at night

[@merlemitchell5139]

Great music. 🙋‍♀️🌺

[@oshada]

the solo on Afrique Victime at the end there… transcendental

[@serg3789]

Здорово.Фолк-основа всей музыки .

[@jalen1418]

Best band in the world 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@keyboardsathya]

Very pleasant.. love it

[@alexpetroff1666]

That's wonderful!

[@davidhuber9418]

beautiful

[@AlbertAnguela]

awesome music. so bad that the indiscriminated insertion of 5 ads from KZbin has not let me enjoy this experience fully

[@chairshoe81]

if you have an android phone download youtube vanced app off theyre website, no ads, and you can turn yr screen off and itll still play

[@AlbertAnguela]

@@chairshoe81 thanks a lot for the advise. I would be ok with some advertising. youtube has to make money, but it is going increasingly insane.

[@bonappetite8482]

gotta get that premium son

[@packx3]

gotta get that adblocker son

[@jodajoda2863]

Skip to the end then restart the video

[@christianepyrenees2281]

So wonderful, I like so much to hear your songs, thanks for sharing in that way 👍👍👏🏽👏🏽😊🧡

[@AnasCobain]

I may say that the first song is inspired from the song of Ali Farka Touré called « Bonde » , mdou moctar is a monster in guitare 😍😍

[@hibretadissu8435]

Absolutely Devine! Wish you the very best and more. Thank you!!!

[@surr3al1s]

Cool vibes here but the fully electric version with full drum kit and guitar pedals make this band UNBELIEVABLE.

[@jolainefrizzell8980]

Wow! This was amaing! Great concert. Song 3 really showed us another side of your performance. Wow wow wow! So happ to have discovered you! What a great performance!

[@Projacked1]

Wonderful recording, especially the 'live' experience real translates here.... (edit) Dang! rock mode! coool

[@jayleneomanapadron7462]

I was waiting for this one!

[@anajup1019]

Don't understand a word they say, love it all. Greetings from Brazil!

[@skea8o8]

How do these percussions sound so good

[@thesuncollective1475]

Practice

[@bamanahistoryandculture6904]

He's using rings on his fingers as drum sticks and his palms as a kick bass sound.

[@mayajankovic4682]

wow dude ure like so right

[@skea8o8]

@@bamanahistoryandculture6904 big thanks man!

[@bamanahistoryandculture6904]

@@skea8o8 Alot of people dont understand that the calabash drum is a real instrument and requires as much technique as any other.

[@DagTenere]

Bravo frère tanimert houlan 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@SandRA-oz6xp]

wonderful

[@justgivemethetruth]

That guys is going to wear out his index finger ... someone buy him a pick! Love it!

[@mateus7398]

Mestre!

[@brownmut5518]

Beautiful set. Cheers from Toronto Canada

[@hza.609]

what a treat. thank you

[@Shouko-sama]

Great performance of art. Calling For Lorine Chia please!!

[@sarahgreenhall128]

Can’t wait to see them at Bonnaroo 2021

[@anaphylastiks]

Modal music rules!

[@bellavale4442]

Lindo ❤️

[@josephallen3815]

This is such a beautiful song. Thank you once again for moving me ri tears .

[@burgesssam]

imagine keeping your body still during the final track. impossible

[@chases7896]

Wish they could've done an in person tinydesk but this is wonderful too

[@oscarames71]

They probably don't like to play in studios or closed environments.

[@kylemcconnell606]

Seeing them in slc this year, very excited!

[@grendalnewgod]

They're playing ATL in November. I hope to go.

[@semvanderpeet8061]

Great musiccc! Love the vibes!