Deep meaning

The Sahara Desert has made the headlines on several occasions over the years, though not for the best of reasons. The region has been a hotspot of unrest and violence since the first Tuareg rebellion (1990-95) and again in 2007-09, resulting in an influx of thousands of refugees in Omar’s hometown of Agadez.

The band is not indifferent to these tragic events. The name EZZA itself is steeped in meaning, as it designates the last letter of the Tuareg alphabet, a symbol of freedom and resistance. This aspect of their music is reflected in their lyrics, such as in the song Izalan Manino, an anthem denouncing forced marriage.

“Our message is peace, children education and women’s rights. In Niger, the situation for women is not very good. Women cannot travel, cannot go to school or play music, and we would like to change this. It’s not easy to change, but we wish to convey the message of women’s rights,” said Omar.

“In Africa, music is always political. If you talk to people, they will not listen to you. But if you play music, they will. It is easier to convey a message and exchange ideas through music than by speaking or being violent,” added Gratteau.

Although the Beijing audience might not have fully understood the deeper meaning behind the lyrics, they clearly enjoyed the show, falling under the spell of the three musicians’ desert groove. Comments to francoisdube@chinafrica.cn