Artist Profiles: Al Bilali Soudan

Al Bilali Soudan is a Tuareg band from Mali that plays acoustic music rooted in tradition. The family members of Al Bilali Soudan from Timbuktu are sought after musicians and griots (traveling musicians and storytellers). Led by Abellow Yattara, the band is a leading Tamashek (Tuareg) music act, characterized by a continuous exchange between the tehardent (lute), vocals, and hand percussion.

This genre of music has been performed from at least the 16th century by Tuareg griots to celebrate the end of harvest and the changing seasons, heroic warriors, and noble families. In contrast to Tuareg contemporary acts like Tinariwen and Bombino, Al Bilali Soudan take an acoustic approach to Tamashek folk music traditions.

Abellow Yattara (sometimes spelled Abellou or Aballou Yattara) is accompanied by his uncle Aboubacrine Yattara, forming the group’s core. They are joined by their sons Mohamed Ag Abellaw and Thialé Ag Aboubacrine who bring youth and energy to the music.

Abellow Yattara grew up in a well-known Tuareg griot family that has performed this music for generations. He started to play the terdahent when he was 10 years old. Both his father and uncle were master musicians. Abellow Yattara has recorded with Khaira Arby and Ali Farka Toure.

In January 2022, Al Bilali Soudan showcased at Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST 2022. that same year, the band was selected to perform at the official showcases presented by world music expo WOMEX.

In 2023 the band released the album Babi. Two years later, they released Chez Aballau. This recording features northern Malian takamba music in its rawest form, described as the original desert sound. Recorded during informal rehearsals, this session captured Al Bilali Soudan’s essence. Two extended tracks spread beyond 13 minutes, locking into relentless trance inducing grooves. Abellow Yattara, revered as a keeper of Mali’s musical legacy, leads with virtuosic tehardent work.

Discography:

Al Bilali Soudan ‎(Clermont Music, 2012)
Tombouctou (Clermont Music, 2020)
Babi (Clermont Music, 2023)
Chez Aballau (Clermont Music, 2025)

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.