Debuting in 2013 with a sound described as ‘Timbuktu punk,’ Songhoy Blues established themselves as key figures in the ongoing evolution of West African blues. The group attributes their sound to a unique marriage between takamba (Touareg dance music) and wassoulou (Mande griot tunes) with shades of blues and Western electric guitar music, among a tapestry of global influence. The four-piece have even fostered collaborations with the likes of Iggy Pop and Damon Albarn. 

Hèritage sees Songhoy Blues explore more acoustically driven instrumentation in an effort to further re-imagine their ‘desert blues’ sound. ‘Issa’, the previous single from Hèritage, gives listeners a taste of this exploration, with six-string riffs echoing the sounds of early delta blues

“Gara means ‘blessing’ in the Songhoy [Songhai] language. This song is an ode to the guidance and blessings of the elders in society – particularly one’s parents,” the group have said when explaining the ideology behind the new release. “There is an African adage, which says, ‘A ripe fruit never rots at the top,’ and so in this song we encourage younger generations to do good and seek blessing from their elders. We hope you enjoy the song!”

‘Gara’ is out now. Hèritage realeases on January 17, 2025 via Transgressive Records