Steve Shahan and Nabil Othmani, Awalin: Some of you might already know who Steve Shahan is (in fact, one of my readers told me about him). For those who don't, he is an American born percussionist now based out of France who, over the years, has collaborated with all the big names (Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Gypsy Kings, and the list goes on...) He did a lot of traveling over the years, becoming acquainted with various cultures and their musical traditions.
Several years ago, he met Baly Othmani, the father of Nabil. Together they produced three albums. Five years after Baly passed away, the tradition was carried on by Steve and Nabil and they produced the album Awalin together.
Nabil Othmani is Tuareg, which is the name for the nomadic people of the Sahara, though apparently not what they call themselves (which is Kel Tamasheq--"Speakers of Tamasheq"). Remember my post about Tinariwen? (If not, you can find the post in the archives section of this blog!) They are also Tuareg. There are definite similarities that can be heard between this song and what you hear in Tinariwen's music. Enjoy!
Click here to buy the album in CD format on Amazon