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Meet the Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara

Meet the Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara

Our music reporter Ben Sisario takes us on a journey through West Africa’s guitar music scene past and present, highlighting a handful of songs from the genre’s most innovative and influential bands. This playlist showcases an eclectic mix of styles — from desert blues and psychedelic rock to Afro-Cuban music.

Featured Songs:

  • Mdou Moctar, “Imouhar”

  • Ali Farka Touré, “Ali Aoudy”

  • Tinariwen, “Matadjem Yinmixan”

  • Orchestra Baobab, “Coumba”


Ben Sisario, a music reporter for The Times.

A photo illustration with a blue-toned photo of Mdou Moctar holding a guitar overlaid on a brown box. There are yellow, green and pink rectangles around it, all over a beige background.
Photo Illustration by The New York Times; Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for Coachella

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