"Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai" is not an album, but actually a film starring the Tuareg musician Mdou Moctar himself. Translating to 'Rain the Color of Blue with a Little Red in it' in English, the film is a nod to Prince's "Purple Rain". It was released in 2015 and is often touted as the first-ever Tuareg language fictional film.
The story revolves around Moctar, a struggling musician trying to make it in the city of Agadez, a sprawling metropolis in Niger. Along the way, he faces the competition and traditional societal ties hindering his dream of becoming a successful rockstar. The film beautifully trails his journey and various societal aspects, showcasing scenes backed with Mdou Moctar's electrifying guitar performances that render a unique mix of traditional Tuareg melodies and modern rock.
The film particularly shot Mdou Moctar to international fame for his music. Throughout the film, Moctar's songs perfectly encapsulate the emotions played out on screen, providing not just a soundtrack for the movie but also an impressive showcase of Moctar's blistering guitar skills and distinct blend of traditional and contemporary sounds that make him one of the most exciting voices in modern Saharan music. His musical works are known to blend elements of Western rock music and traditional Tuareg folk tunes.
