Mdou Moctar

Mdou Moctar is the project of Nigerien guitarist and singer Mahamadou Souleymane, one of the most innovative artists in contemporary Saharan music. Born in Abalak and based in Agadez, he sings in Tamasheq and plays a frenetic, electrifying strain of Tuareg desert blues known as assouf or Tishoumaren. Signed to Matador Records, his catalog includes Ilana: The Creator (2019), Afrique Victime (2021), Funeral for Justice (2024), and the acoustic rework Tears of Injustice (2025). His touring band features rhythm guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane, bassist and producer Michael Coltun, and drummer Souleymane Ibrahim.