Born in 1980 in the nomadic Tuareg encampment Tidene, just outside Agadez, Niger, Bombino (born Goumour Almoctar, also known as Oumara Moctar) came of age during much political upheaval, fleeing with his family to Algeria by 1990, and teaching himself guitar by watching videos of his heroes Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen.

His first record, Agadez, showcased captivating vocals, evocative rhythms and hypnotic, awe-inspiring guitar playing, and was cited as one of NPR's best discoveries of the year. His second, 2013's Nomad, recorded with the Black Keys’s Dan Auerbach, firmly established Bombino as a star on the world stage and one of the world's best guitarists.

Creator of new genre 'Tuareggae' - a blend of Tuareg guitar with reggae rhythm - and dubbed by the New York Times as 'The Sultan of Shred', in 2018 Bombino was the first-ever artist from Niger to receive a Grammy nomination (Best World Music Album). His latest release, 2023’s Sahel is a call for unity in the Sahel region and features a range of performances from acoustic ballads to shredding electric guitar tracks.

Regardless of the challenges life throws at him, Bombino marches ever forward on his mission to use music to spread love, understanding, and the beauty of Tuareg culture throughout the world, and we are delighted to welcome him to Llais.

More from Bombino