World Music Network

Known as the singer and guitarist in Etran Finatawa, Niger bluesman Alhousseini Anivolla has a set of solo concerts lined up prior to his forthcoming solo album Anewal/The Walking Man. This release with Riverboat Records on the 13th of August 2012 will mark the start of Alhousseini's international a solo career.

His first concert will be this Sunday at BT River of Music on the Africa Stage in London. Here, Alhousseini Anivolla collaborates with Burundi bass guitarist Steven Sogo in Tamarundi, a project specially created for BT River of Music festival. The name of the collaboration is derived from the artists' native languages Tamashek (Alhousseini), and Kurundi (Steven Sogo) to emphasise the musical conversation between the duo's home countries Niger and Burundi. Their African roots are emphasised by the use of traditional African instruments on top of their intricate bluesy guitar styles.

Apart from this, Alhousseini will be performing at two other events in Switzerland, including the Buskers Festival in Bern. These performances will be a fantastic opportunity to experience stories of the talented nomad's life and culture. As he says himself; ‘Since my childhood I have been walking in this world with open eyes. I am always curious and ready to learn, create and adapt.' - a comment which refers to the theme and title of Anewal/The Walking Man

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Alhousseini Anivolla's live dates are as follows:

22 July: BT River Of Music , London, UK (with Steven Sogo in Tamarundi)
27 July: Studio Inkourao, Fiaugères, Switzerland
09-11 Aug: Buskers Festival,  Bern, Switzerland

Below, a music video from Alhousseini's forthcoming album Anewal/The Walking Man. The track 'Imadanan Id'Madiaka' discusses common disputes between farmers and nomadic shepherds over land in Niger, an issue causing divisions that are fracturing society. Alhousseini urges the clashing groups to work together to overcome their differences and work together towards peace and advancement of the Niger economy.