2023-08-26 18:52:00
by Katharina Kunert and Tobias Scharnagl 08/26/2023, 18:52 6 min. He narrowly escaped the military coup. Now Bombino, Niger’s biggest music star, is touring Europe and the US – and can’t wait for his return. Why?
Bombino is missing. The musicians in his band are already there, they’re standing in front of the stage chatting, they’re in a good mood, talking to the people who are still setting things up. The sun is shining, the mountains, which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, shimmer in the blue sky like illusions. Then Bombino saunters up, the traditional Touareg caftan envelops his slim figure, the facial features are fine, he greets politely, puts his hand on his heart, and indicates a bow. He seems completely introspective. Then he picks up the guitar and starts playing.
Omara Moctar, aka Bombino, is the first Grammy nominee from the West African country of Niger, and his guitar music has been celebrated by rock greats like Keith Richards. Otherwise, his home country will end up in the headlines, mainly due to violence. Like the military coup at the end of July. The fact that Bombino is now on stage in Innsbruck was planned for a long time. But the turmoil of the putsch almost destroyed the plan.
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