In 1990 the violence in Niger, Bombino’s homeland, has escalated to a point where he and his family were forced to flee to Algeria. Whilst there he teaches himself to play the guitar and slowly gains notoriety as a brilliant guitarist, an impressive songwriter and an overall inspiring person. His songs and improvisations combine the best of Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker and Santana. Bombino’s background however adds a deeper dimension to this mix.
French music magazine Les Inrockuptibles couldn’t have described it better:
‘The singer and guitarist Bombino emerges from the dunes of the Sahara with his desert folk dancing in the flames. Absolutely magical.’
‘Agadez’, Bombino’s sophomore album became the ultimate soundtrack for the sound of the Sahara as well as the eponymous movie by Ron Wyman, which contains gorgeous local live-footage. On his third, upcoming album, Bombino has worked with none other than Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach who has taken on the production for the album. A great honor for both men. The new album is names ‘Nomad’ and will come out April 2nd of this year.
Bombino manages to create the pulsing sound of the survivors in the Sahara and Sahel. With his intense charisma and powerful stage presence, Bombino puts on a show that you shouldn’t miss.