Etran De L’aïr

(Niger / Sahel Sounds)

Etran de L’Aïr (‘stars of the Aïr region’) are heroes of desert blues, the rousing desert music popularized by bands such as Mdou Moctar and Bombino. The veiled musicians evoke the atmosphere of Agadez, the capital of Saharan rock. They started out playing the local wedding circuit. Twenty-five years later they still throw the best parties at the hippest festivals. 

Whereas other Tuareg guitarists look to Western rock, Etran de L’Aïr play in a pan-African style that is emblematic of their hometown, citing a myriad of cultural influences, from Northern Malian blues, Hausa bar bands, to Congolese Soukous.

Papelón Kifesh creates rare vinyl sound mixes, combining various atmospheric global and bass sounds, matching an array of influences from very diverse cultures and underground genres, all brought together in an eclectic and yet coherent DJ set intended for everyone.