Mdou Moctar - 'Live in Niamey, Niger'

Live in Niamey, Niger.

In winter 2020, the Mdou Moctar band met up in Niamey, the capital of Niger, to record a few songs in anticipation of the release of, Afrique Victime. We were staying on the outskirts of town at a friend's home. One day, we quietly set up in front of the house to film a few songs. Despite our relative isolation, the noise of the band inevitably attracted a crowd. What started as the four of us simply playing a few songs for a camera turned into a three-night run of rowdy concerts, bringing in hundreds of eager listeners. Each night, kids from all over the city would line up at our door, rushing over after their final evening prayer. These performances were completely spontaneous and wholly unplanned. Thanks to our audience, we were able to capture the spectacular energy of a typical Niamey concert for you. We're thrilled about it and hope you will be, too. Enjoy!

Footage shot by: Mamadou Halidou & WH Moustapha / Dynamique image
Audio Recorded by: Mikey Coltun
Video edited by: Sabrina Nichols
Mixed and Mastered by Seth Manchester at Machines with Magnets

Mdou Moctar:

Matador Records on the web:

#MdouMoctar #AfriqueVictime

[JasonNaas]

For a yard concert, the audio quality is astounding. I love this.

[EveryLastdrop-twrg]

that efn drummer didn't miss a single beat the whole night

[devinshea]

I'm 87 Y/o as of 3 days ago and after listening to this, I still feel 87 but the music was just incredible.

[Sandygogo]

have absolutely no idea how the YT algorithm thought this would be a good recommendation but here we are, what a gem

[SaschaPallenberg]

Can we please say thank you to the Youtube algorithm that brought us here to be able to listen to this phenomenal band? These guys are absolutely amazing!

[rogerbranton]

Very cool to think that some of the kids in the crowd will go on to form their own bands after this. Because they WILL! That's just how it works. Beautiful!

[mariegordon]

Greetings from London. I will be 76 later this month and Thank God I have been blessed to find this wonderful music. The joy in the children....

[KarmaTSVb]

Is this the future of music, art and culture? Are we witnessing the renaissance spanning the great continent of Africa? It’s about time. All this phenomenal music we’re missing out on! This is heady and engulfing.

[alexanderthornton]

Bassist is absolutely phenomenal, laying it down like a rug the entire jam. What a legend

[azraelblick]

I enjoyed this. I love the Internet, when I was a kid I would have never had a chance to see music from all over the world so easily.

[thermalchill]

That drummer is incredible doing accents post double snare and his overheads aren't too crispy .

[RichieCranium]

Unbelievably brilliant. The drummer is on another level the Bass player is a groove machine the Rhythm guitar is extremely supportive and tight and the lead guitar is so different from western music, the melody lines are so unexpected and fresh I was honestly blown away .
Maybe the most original sound I’ve heard in a very long time.
I may be behind the ball on this as this was 2 years ago but I’m so glad I found this music … thank you.

[chillcoaster]

The algorithm brought me here. I am in awe. I'm an instant fan.

[riffcrypt]

Don't be shocked when 5 years from now those kids in the audience have gone on to pick up instruments and form a psychedelic rock scene in Niamey who collectively views this series of shows as their very own version of the Sex Pistols playing at Lesser Free Trade Hall. Keep inspiring the world guys!

[Keep-it-Real-]

Man that drummer is class...as a composer myself I will always have a moment to listen to these dudes. They get the juices flowing inside your soul...beautiful... if you ever get writers block...just put this band on for a spell...best medicine. Problem solved.🤟

[renstimpy]

From a Venezuelan nobody this is good such a breeze of fresh air

[kevincarter]

Lord I was born a ramblin watusi man.tryin to do the best that I can. Man I heard alman brothers in there for a bit.

[ronaldmilner]

I am a 63 Black American living in Chicago, and I must say, Mdou Moctar is very impressive!

[mikeferrini]

Amazing!! The children are clapping in 6/8 on the first tune. They get it.

[MathiasRah]

These are the LITERAL Sultans of Swing