World music is a title that doesn’t do Tinariwen justice. The music press have detected influences from Bob Dylan to Bob Marley in their songs of rebellion and freedom and their sound has been described as rock, blues, funk and soul - sometimes all at once. The band, however, insist that their sound is their very own brand of Touareg music, with some of the traditional instruments replaced by guitars and bass.

Most of all, what influences Tinariwen’s music is the background of political struggle and the following exile from their native Mali, which is reflected in their songs Their music was incendiary enough to be banned in Mali in the 90’s. Since the return of peace, the band members have returned to a more normal life in Mali, but their music has not lost its passion.

Tickets are still avaiilable for their intimate Dublin gig at Crawdaddy, tomorrow, June 16. Tickets priced at €22 can be purchased from Claddagh Records, Temple Bar, or from the Central Ticket Bureau.