www.myspace.com/toumast

In a nutshell: Following the huge success of Tinariwen, former member Moussa Ag Keyna steps into the breach with another display of the incredibly soulful Touareg sound. As with his erstwhile comrades, his group was formed in protest at Niger government oppression (Toumast means identity). Moussa, a one-time rebel, put down his guns and picked up the guitar, finding in this incredible music a more persuasive means of dissent.

Imagine if you will: The desert blues of Ali Farka Toure given a crash course in funk grooves on sojourn in Paris.