-By Ngum Ngafor

Award-winning desert rock-and-rollers, Tinariwen give the roots, rock, rebellion movement a touch of African cool in their latest release Aman, Iman—a caustic, bluesy and soulful tribute to the source of life. With intensely poetic songs, set to its epic and extraordinary guitar style, the unconventional band (it has no fixed membership) mourns the passing of the epic golden age of the Saharan tribes. Founded in a military camp during the Tuareg anti-Malian uprising of the 1980s, Tinariwen’s world-famous rebel music sits comfortably among the best sounds to emerge from Africa. Outstanding tracks on Aman, Iman include: Mano Dayak, Ahmana and Awa Didjen.

Rating: **** out of 5