Celebrated Nigerien psych-rock guitarist Mdou Moctar has launched a GoFundMe in order to cover his and his two Nigerien bandmates’ expenses while they are stranded in the United States amid political instability in their home country.
Moctar and his bandmates were on tour in the US last week when, on July 26th, the borders to Niger were closed due to the nation’s ongoing coup. Now, the band is hoping they can raise funds to help arrange emergency accommodations, and support their families back home.
“At present, the band is stuck in the United States indefinitely,” their GoFundMe reads. “The costs associated with finding emergency housing and living expenses for the band while they are stuck here in the US are considerable as well as undefined, as there is no timeframe for when peace may return to the region. As the band’s touring activity regularly supports their families at home in Niger, this extended stay in the US will, unfortunately, divert that income away from their dependents.”
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Since taking control last week, some elements of Niger’s military junta have expressed an anti-French, anti-imperialist sentiment. While it’s unproven as to whether the junta genuinely believes these sentiments, or is just stoking dissatisfaction with Niger’s former colonizer, France, to gain some popular support, even Moctar himself has spoken about the injustices committed by France and other Western nations against Niger.
The title track from his 2021 album, Afrique Victime, speaks to this. “‘Afrique Victime’ is a message to all of the countries with money and power who come into Africa and kill the leaders who try to empower the people and lead revolutions,” Moctar said in a statement at the time of the album’s release. “This pushes the area into danger and instability and emboldens the terrorists, and it’s the people who suffer and have no justice. Africa is innocent. The French use our uranium, but 90% of the people here don’t have electricity. Imagine.”
Unfortunately, it appears that the “instability” Moctar alluded to has only amplified. With right-wing forces, international intervention, and popular movements all jockeying for power, the band’s concerns for “imminent civil war” in Niger are legitimate. Moctar’s tour in the US was set to wrap after a gig in Central Park on July 29th. Now, there’s no telling when he and his bandmates will be able to reunite with their families.
Please read more about the band’s situation on their GoFundMe page, and, if you can, consider making a contribution. You can also watch a live performance of Moctar’s song “Afrique Victime” on KEXP below.
