Agadez
Tuareg nomads have lived in the Sahara Desert for centuries, connecting North and West Africa with their camel caravans. They are fiercely independent and have become famous for their rebellions, fighting to protect their freedom and culture.
Omara Moctar, known as 'Bambino' is a young musician who has become a cult hero in Niger and represents a new generation of Tuareg. He is becoming known as one of the great guitar players of West Africa, influenced by the legendary Ali Farka Toure and Jimi Hendrix . After several years of exile because of the latest rebellion, he has returned to his home town, Agadez, a remote center of Tuareg culture at the edge of the Sahara. Many Tuareg lost their lives in the last rebellion, including two of Bambino's musicians who were executed by the military.
'Agadez' follows Bambino over the past several years as he was exiled to Burkina Faso, his travels to the US to begin recording a new CD, and his return to Niger in 2010 with the peace agreement which ended the rebellion. On his return to Agadez, he finished recording his new CD, reaching audiences in Africa, Europe and the US
With the Sultan's blessing, he recently had a concert outside the Grande Mosque of Agadez which was attended by over a thousand people. His triumphant and exhilarating concert reminded the Tuareg of their magnificent culture, giving them new hope and setting an example for the rest of Africa for adapting to the modern world.