About
Etran Finatawa from Niger
“the group combined elements from the cultures of both peoples (Tuareg and Wodaabe) to create hypnotic, syncopated songs with elements that vaguely resembled Middle Eastern prayer, Mississippi blues and West African folklore. …. performed with a palpable passion.” The Washington Post“Entrancing and rich…the mix (of guitar and vocals) makes the group stand out in the thriving scene of predominantly Tuareg guitar-wielding bands … like Tinariwen” The Philadelphia Inquirer
“The band’s wandering lifestyle shines through in its sparse, plaintive, chant-filled songs—though they never wallow in self-pity, even if the group’s North African blues style is meant to serve as therapy for an isolating, restless lifestyle.” The Onion
“…the members of Etran Finatawa are… cultural pioneers, melding long-separate ethnic traditions of their native Niger in the service of nationhood - and in the process, producing one of the most fascinating recent hybrids on the African music scene. "Desert Crossroads," is an exciting record of songs in both Tuareg and Wodaabé languages that possesses a deep feeling of roots while never feeling obscure or monotonous.” Boston Globe
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Neumos
