Links
AMAN IMAN
A website of an NGO based in Holland run by Abakoula Argalaless which works on water developement and other projects in the deserts of Niger. The site is in Dutch.
http://www.aman-iman.nl/
KIDAL INFO
Without doubt the no.1 site for all news regarding Tinariwen's hometown of Kidal and the surrounding region. The best place to find out about the latest political news from this still troubled area.
http://www.kidal.info/
AZAWAD UNION
Website of the new rebel movement, the ADC (L’Alliance Démocratique du 23 mai pour le Changement), which is run by the communications director of the movement from the rebel base in the mountains north of Kidal. The base is due to shut down on March 9th, when all remaining members of the militia will be reintegrated into society, the administration or the army. Nevertheless the ADC will continue to act as negotiators and representatives of the Touareg of Northeastern Mali. For those who can master the French, this website offers a fascinating insight into the strategies and thought-processes behind the Touareg rebel movement.
http://www.azawad-union.blogspot.com/
LO'JO
The internet home of the global music adventurers Lo’Jo, who come from Angers in the west of France. It was Lo’jo’s meeting with Tinariwen in Bamako in 1998 that kicked off Tinariwen’s international career. Tinariwen owe them so much.
http://www.lojo.org/
AKASSA SAHEL
The website of an association very active in the development of the southern Sahara and the promotion of Touareg culture. Akassa runs several educational projects in the Kidal region, and even organises Tamashek classes.
http://www.akassa.org/
MASHIRO
A great band from Angers in France featuring Malika, the younger sister of Yamina and Nadia from Lo'Jo, and local musical talent Guillaume. Tinariwen are both friends and fans.
http://www.myspace.com/mashirobox
POINT AFRIQUE
Website of the French tour and charter airline company that specialise in desert tourism and travel. They are the only company to fly to places like Mopti and Gao, and as such offer a crucial lifeline to those who seek to develop tourism in the Kidal region. Point Afrique are official partners on the release of the new Tinariwen CD "Aman Iman".
http://www.point-afrique.com/
AFFALA VOYAGES
Travel company based in Kidal and Bamako, with close links to the Kidal region and Tinariwen.
http://www.affala.com/
TOUAREG TOURS
Travel company based in Kidal and Bamako, with close links to the Kidal region and Tinariwen.
http://www.touaregtours.com/
SAHARAN ARTS
A company specialising in silver jewellery and leather work made by the traditional artisans of the Touareg. Saharan Arts has close links with the artisans assocation of Kidal.
http://www.saharanarts.com/
FRIENDS OF MALI
An ngo at the heart of UK - Malian relations which works tirelessly to promote awareness and understanding of Malian culture and society.
http://www.friendsofmali-uk.org/
RETROFUZZ
The people who made this site.
http://www.retrofuzz.com/
TAPSIT
The label and management company founded by Philippe Brix, erstwhile manager of Lo’Jo and Tinariwen, producer of Tinariwen’s 2nd CD ‘Amassakoul’ and one of the instigators of the Festival in the Desert. Philippe is now working on a variety of new projects including a new CD by the group Terakaft, which is lead by Keddou, one of the most important players in the Tinariwen story, a musician and rebel of legendary renown.
http://www.tapsit.fr/
WOMAD SUMMER SCHOOL
Tinariwen will be participating in this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the Touareg blues guitar style.
http://www.womad.org/summerschool