Athmane BALI
Athmane BALI, whose real name is Mebarek Othmani, is considered an icon of creativity and musical heritage. He is an Algerian Targui artist who acquired a worldwide reputation after enriching ancient Targui art. However, he was extremely successful in transmitting Tindi singing from the oases of the great Algerian desert to the music halls of the world.
He was born in May 1953 in the town of Djanet, in the southeast of Algeria. He learned the basics and elementary principles of religion through his father the faqih (specialist in Islamic jurisprudence), then he joined the primary school of Djanet, to subsequently continue his secondary studies in the town of Tamanrasset, and it was by joining the high school troupe that his talents were noticed. After that, he returned to the capital to complete his training and work in the paramedical field. He formed his own band in 1987.
Athmane Bali's beginnings in the musical field were very difficult. His singing was refused and rejected since singing among the Tuareg is a feminine specialty, but his perseverance made him one of the most famous singers and musicians in the region, particularly following the release of his first album “Assouf” (nostalgia), in 1987.
The opening of Bali allowed him to present modern music. He composed texts in Targui and Arabic, adding passages in French in order to further enrich his art. He has also worked with many international groups and artists such as the Italian jazz music group “Vicente”, the American percussionist “Steve Sheehan” and the French jazz player “John Marc Padovani”.
He released twenty (20) albums, the most important of which are: Assouf (nostalgia), Assarouf (forgiveness), Assikal (journey)...Among his most famous songs are “Amen Amen” and “Dama’a Dama’a”.
On June 17, 2005, Athmane Bali was swept away by the floods of Wadi Adjrou. Died at the age of 53, he left behind a great artistic legacy which includes more than 250 musical and poetic pieces.
He was born in May 1953 in the town of Djanet, in the southeast of Algeria. He learned the basics and elementary principles of religion through his father the faqih (specialist in Islamic jurisprudence), then he joined the primary school of Djanet, to subsequently continue his secondary studies in the town of Tamanrasset, and it was by joining the high school troupe that his talents were noticed. After that, he returned to the capital to complete his training and work in the paramedical field. He formed his own band in 1987.
Athmane Bali's beginnings in the musical field were very difficult. His singing was refused and rejected since singing among the Tuareg is a feminine specialty, but his perseverance made him one of the most famous singers and musicians in the region, particularly following the release of his first album “Assouf” (nostalgia), in 1987.
The opening of Bali allowed him to present modern music. He composed texts in Targui and Arabic, adding passages in French in order to further enrich his art. He has also worked with many international groups and artists such as the Italian jazz music group “Vicente”, the American percussionist “Steve Sheehan” and the French jazz player “John Marc Padovani”.
He released twenty (20) albums, the most important of which are: Assouf (nostalgia), Assarouf (forgiveness), Assikal (journey)...Among his most famous songs are “Amen Amen” and “Dama’a Dama’a”.
On June 17, 2005, Athmane Bali was swept away by the floods of Wadi Adjrou. Died at the age of 53, he left behind a great artistic legacy which includes more than 250 musical and poetic pieces.