Mdou Moctar

Mdou Moctar
Moctar performing in 2014
Background information
Birth nameMahamadou Souleymane
Also known asM.dou Mouktar
Born1984
Abalak, Niger
Genres
Occupation(s)Songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals, synth
Years active2008–present
LabelsSahel Sounds, Stone Tapes, Matador
Websitemdoumoctar.com

Mahamadou Souleymane (born 1984),[1] known professionally as Mdou Moctar (also M.dou Mouktar), is a Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Agadez, Niger, who performs modern rock music inspired by Tuareg guitar music. His music first gained attention through a trading network of mobile phones and memory cards in West Africa.[2] He sings in the Tamasheq language.[3] Moctar's fourth album, Ilana: The Creator, released in 2019, was the first to feature a full band. He plays guitar in the takamba and assouf styles.[3] He also appeared in the 2015 film Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai (Rain the Color of Blue with a Little Red in It).

  1. ^ "Afropop Worldwide | Mdou Moctar Talks Tuareg Film and Music". Afropop.org. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  2. ^ "tahoultine, chopped and skyped". Sahelsounds.com. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  3. ^ a b Allan, Jennifer Lucy (October 2014). "Prince of the Desert". The Wire (368): 10.