Imarhan - Essam (indies)

Imarhan return with Essam, their fourth album and a bold evolution in sound. While retaining the same core lineup, the band move beyond their signature bluesy, psychedelic Tuareg guitar style toward something more open and exploratory. Recorded live at their own Aboogi Studio in Tamanrasset, the album captures a communal energy — friends and neighbours dropped in to add handclaps, vocals, and atmosphere to the sessions.

For the first time, long-time engineer Maxime Kosinetz stepped up as producer, joined by multi-instrumentalist Emile Papandreou of French duo UTO. Together they wove subtle electronic textures into Imarhan’s live instrumentation, reshaping the group’s sound without losing its soul. The result is a vibrant and forward-looking record rooted in place and community — music that reflects the creative pulse of Aboogi, where young people gather to play, talk, and make something of their own.