Omara “Bombino” Moctar’s storybook rise from the West African desert more than a decade ago is the stuff of fairy tales. Now, a global star, Bombino has been featured on CNN, NPR and now ACL (Austin City Limits) as he’s set to take the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage on Friday (Sept. 30) at 3:30pm.
The virtuoso guitarist and singer-songwriter from Agadez, Niger has been called the Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara, having jammed with Keith Richards, opened for Robert Plant and made an album, Nomad, with The Black Key’s Dan Auerbach. There was even a movie made about him, the well-received documentary film, Agadez, the Music and the Rebellion.
I had a chance to chat with Bombino over email about world music’s popularity, his critically-acclaimed new album Azel and who he’s excited to see at ACL.
Crave: World music has been around forever, but why do you think it’s gaining in popularity and being incorporated into pop, hip hop, house music, etc.?
Bombino: Well, I am no expert on this, but I would guess that this is because the world is becoming so much more closely connected. Globalism has created almost one country with thousands of cultures. So, naturally, it has become easier for different cultures to come together. I think this is why you now hear more musical styles from different places being influences by one another.
Compare the experience between working with Dave Longstreth (Dirty Projectors) and Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys)?
First, both are great producers and great guys. I feel very fortunate that I was able to work with both of them. The biggest difference, I would say, is in their energy. Dan is very hot, always go go go. He would come in to the room and everyone knew that he was the boss. With Dave things were more relaxed. His energy was more cool. Instead of directing us this way and that he would sit back and watch us and then after some time he would give his opinion and his ideas. This is a difference in their personalities, but also I think when we recorded Nomad we were in need of someone like Dan to take control because it was our first time in a studio. This time, with Dave (for Azel), we felt more confident in ourselves and in the music, so it was better for him to be more calm and patient in his role.
Describe the perfect setting to be listening to Tuareggae?
I must always say sitting in the Tenere [Sahara] desert, surrounding a campfire with friends. This is the best way to listen to any music.
When people think of African music they immediately think of drums. What made you decide to pick up a guitar?
It was discovering the music of Jimi Hendrix, of Mark Knopfler of Santana, of Tinariwen and Ali Farka Toure. It was these legends of guitar that touched my soul and made me determined to become like them.
Which artists are you excited to see at Austin City Limits?
I don’t know any of these guys’ music very well to be honest, but I was told that I must see Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak and Flying Lotus. I am always very happy to discover new music so I am excited to be part of such a big and important festival.
