Mahamadou Souleymane (born c. 16 August 1984 or 1986), known professionally as Mdou Moctar (also M.dou Mouktar), is a Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Agadez, Niger, who performs modern rock music inspired by Tuareg guitar music. His music first gained attention through a trading network of mobile phones and memory cards in West Africa. He sings in the Tamasheq language. Moctar's fourth album, Ilana: The Creator, released in 2019, was the first to feature a full band. He plays guitar in the takamba and assouf styles.

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Latest Articles

Features / Music

Listen: Mdou Moctar - Ibitilan

With a new EP out next week and upcoming tour dates in Aus, the four-piece unveil their latest live-recorded love song..

Features / Music

The Top 25 Albums Of 2021 (So Far): Mdou Moctar - 'Afrique Victime'

'The Music' team on the releases you need to hear from 2021.

Reviews / Album

Album Review: Mdou Moctar - 'Afrique Victime'

"Moctar’s music feels fresher than ever and is genuinely innovative."

Reviews / Live

Live Review: Mdou Moctar

"Revellers were, for a generous 75 minutes, able to lose themselves irrevocably, timelessly in the dance."