Tinariwen FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration Concert 2010

Tinariwen is a band from Mali who appeared at the 2010 Word Cup Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa. Performing on the night the band were given an impressive nine minute slot. Playing their blend of Mali Blues it is best to watch the video for yourself and make your own decision.

Tinariwen represented North Africa and their home country of Mali by performing at the 2010 World Cup Opening Ceremony. Tinariwen are part of a glittering cast of performers who were seen live at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. Starting at 8PM local time, the event lasted about 3 hours.

Also representing the home continent of Africa were “Angelique Kidjo”, “Amadou & Mariam”, “BLK JKS”, “The Parlotones”, “Vieux Farka Touré” and “Vusi Mahlasela”.

World famous American artists the “Black Eyed Peas”, “John Legend” and “Alicia Keys” also featured in the line-up. Completing the list of performers were two Colombian artists, Shakira was also joined by fellow Colombian, Juanes.

With in excess of seven hundreds concerts behind them worldwide and performances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Les Vieilles Charrues, Paleo, Printemps de Bourges, Roskilde and WOMAD the group are unlikely to be overawed by this occasion.

Tinariwen Career

Tinariwen were formed in 1979 in the Sahara Desert area of Mali. Early influences of the group were North African music as well as western musicians who were popular at the time Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, Carlos Santana, etc All of these groups are heavily influenced by guitar and this has become the “Tinariwen” tradition, “Blues Music” led by guitars.

There have been many band members since 1979, but an ever present has been band founder Ibrahim Ag Alhabib who plays lead guitar and is one of the vocalists.

Although African the band have performed all across the world (Europe, North America, Japan and Australia) and have a credible international following.

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