Tinariwen at the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre

Tinariwen means "the desert people" in the Tuareg language. The desert people in question not only come from the heart of Africa but have even invented a musical genre: the desert blues, characterised by droning electric guitars and raspy lamentations. The Malian Tinariwen collective consists of about 20 guitarists, composers, and accompanists, with roots dating back to 1979. The multi-Grammy award-winning band, in one of their various line-ups (after all, they are a collective), will perform in Athens this September at the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre. They will also be in good company since they are supported by Bombino, another influential Tuareg artist known for his distinctive guitar playing. Together, they will grace the Athenian skies with their African blues.