Nar (Nubenegra INN1117-2, 2004)
Thanks to Manuel Domínguez’s Nubenegra label, based in Madrid, Saharawi artists are starting to release their music on CD. Wood is difficult to obtain in the Sahara and desert nomads have turned electric guitars into a favorite instrument. Nayim Alal is probably the best guitarist in the Saharawi scene.
Like their Tuareg cousins, the Saharawis play a bluesy type of guitar. On
Nar, Nayim Alal combines Saharawi music with rap, blues, and pop. Nayim Alal has a unique way of playing the electric guitar and deserves wider recognition. The album
features one of the best known Saharawi singers, Mariem Hassan. There are other
Saharawi guests, as well as musicians from Spain and Sudan.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
