Terakaft’s Book of Blues

Touareg rock group Terakaft are releasing a 7” with an accompanying book telling the story of the band. Titled ‘Jagwar’, the single features two versions of the title-track, both played by the current two-member configuration of the band, guitarists Liya Ag Ablil (aka Diara) and his nephew Sanou Ag Ahmed. Written by their long-time manager and producer Philippe Brix – and published in French and English – the book is a collection of vignettes capturing the band’s enigmatic career.

This is a group that would drive 1,600km to a gig in Copenhagen and then drive straight back to Mali, whose bassist became an unlikely film star, and whom Brix describes as ‘the most ill-fated’ he’s ever worked with. Asked to expand, he says that the band getting thrown off a plane for talking loudly after a performance at WOMAD in the Canary Isles was a blow. “The previous day, Sanou was a star on stage. But it was our last WOMAD.” There was also a missed opportunity to sign for World Circuit, instead staying loyal to their French record label. He also rues not being able to instigate a collaboration between Terakaft and Tinariwen (of whom Diara was an early member). “The difference of popularity between the two bands doesn’t matter too much,” says Brix, “except regarding the question of money, which is, unfortunately, the main thing. I put so much money into the band that I am far from recovering.” 

‘Jagwar’ is released by Secousse on April 15 

This feature originally appeared in the May 2022 issue of Songlines magazine. Never miss an issue – subscribe today