|
Event
Tal National from Niger and DJ Farrah Yalla! at Tropicalia in Washington DC
The most popular live act in the West African nation of Niger, Tal National is beloved for its epic live performances. With a large, rotating lineup of vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, the incredibly tight band features lightning-fast rhythms, shredding electric guitars, and percussion-driven grooves.
"The guitar tone is sharp and stinging, but the rhythms and melodies are rooted in local traditions; this really is African rock."Banning Eyre, NPR Music
Tal National, formed in the year 2000, is a West African phenomenon. The band is from Niamey, the capital city of Niger. Niger is West Africa's largest nation, and one of the world's poorest. Resting between Mali and Nigeria, and not far from Ghana, it enjoys a greatly varied mix of cultures and ethnicities, all richly steeped in music. Hence it is no stranger to highlife music, kora music, afrobeat, while giving the world 'Tuareg Blues' and its own brand of hip hop. Now Tal National is bringing something entirely new to the table, and Niger is growing increasingly unified in their passion for what the band has to offer. Through this joyously hypnotic, highly unique contribution to West African guitar music with lightning-fast rhythms and a rotating cast of vocalists, the history of Niger can be heard as a cultural crossroads along ancient trade routes. Collected within the former French colony can be found Songhai, Fulani, Hausa, and Tuareg populations, all of whom are represented in Tal National's members. Their concert material combines original songs with new arrangements of West African folk songs, themes of which deal with love, tolerance, peace, feminine beauty, and the woman's physical dance expression based on traditional African rhythms. The band is driven by the charismatic, forward-thinking bandleader, Hamadal "Almeida" Moumine, who also teaches at the local SOS Children's Village twice a week, serves as a judge in local courts, and had a successful soccer career before becoming Niger's best-loved guitarist.
All vinyl DJ sets by selector Farrah Yalla! Yalla (a common expression denoting "come on", "let's get going", and mostly meaning "hurry up" in the Arabic language) DJ Farrah Hassen will be spinning Middle Eastern music, mixed with up-tempo synth from Africa, along with post-punk and Italo-disco tracks.
|
|
 |
LocationTROPICALIA (View)
2001 14th St NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 21 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
|
Contact
|
