Photo Credit: Marie Planeille
Imarhan’s new album Essam, releasing 16 January 2026 via CitySlang, has been shaped by the upheaval of the group’s past few years, including increased tension on the Algerian-Mali border near their home of Tamanrasset. As such, the band’s music has taken on a more introspective hue. “We’re very much affected, as Tuareg refugees have come from Mali to Tamanrasset,” says Imarhan bandleader Sadam. “There are many families who have fallen on hard times and have had to flee because of armed conflict. We see the plight of the Tuaregs everywhere. It’s definitely had an impact on the energy of the album.“
He describes that energy as bittersweet, highlighting the inky song “Tellalt”, out today, named for a type of acacia wood from the Sahara Desert. “It’s very rare and quite hard to find,” says Sadam. “When it’s old, it turns red and it gives a good flavour for cooking, or tea. The sound that it makes when it’s burning,” which is reflected in the track’s moody yet lambent production, “stirs up old memories. When I smell the wood, I can hear the sound and it makes me think of the refugees and the suffering. So it’s melancholic and nostalgic, but it also brings feelings of hope and dreams of independence, dreams of calmness and joy.”
Its accompanying video, directed by ElsaPennachio on 8mm Bolex, captures Tuareg life through the band, first by vehicle on the outskirts of Tamanrasset during the day before moving into the city at night.
TELLALT (English translation)
I warm myself by the flames of a fire
Made with Tellalt wood,
It helps me to make this long winter night
Feel shorter.
I look at the fire as it heats up the sand beneath it.
Deep in my thoughts, thinking of my people.
I warm myself by the flames of a fire
Made with Tellalt wood,
And that helps to make this long winter night
Feel shorter.
One day, the truth will appear.
Our country will come back to its people.
And our flag will be raised.
DeClunk 