'The Sahara Sessions' was recorded deep in the desert. Sheltered only by an animal-skin tent and the vast canopy of midnight stars, Etran Finatawa played their guitars and sang straight from the heart. Each poignant song and every slap of the calabash drum articulating the deep-set divisions in the Sahel region that are threatening their Nomad way of life.

The Sahara Sessions opens with "Matinfa", a gently rippling introduction peppered with traditional percussion; tendé, calabash and azakalabó (a calabash drum that floats in water) drums are all heard. The song title translates as "What is This For?" and is the first signifier of the album's intent to comment on the tumultuous status of the Sahel region today. Etran Finatawa's members are of Tuareg and Wodaabe heritages - neighbouring tribes that both live as nomads. Water shortages and land disputes have led to deep-set economic issues that cause conflict and misunderstanding across communities. The work Etran Finatawa do to promote unity and understanding is invaluable.

"Unlike anything we've heard from other 'desert blues' bands before." - Songlines

"This Saharan collective comes armed with an urgency both musical and political." - Jazzwise