Watch Mdou Moctar Shimmer & Shred For WXPN’s ‘World Cafe’

Mdou Moctar stopped by WXPN’s performance studios in Philadelphia while on their North American Tour in February to capture a World Cafe session. The Niger-based Tuareg group performed songs from their 2024 album Funeral for Justice.

Funeral for Justice arrived on May 3, 2024. Mdou Moctar — lead guitarist Mdou Moctar, rhythm guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane, drummer Souleymane Ibrahim and bassist/producer Mikey Coltun — recently released an acoustic companion album titled Tears of Injustice.

Mdou Moctar kicked off their World Cafe session with Funeral for Justice’s third track, “Takoba.” The band then offered album standout “Imouhar.” The song sees Moctar speaking to the loss of the Tuareg people’s Tamasheq language, which is also the language he sings in.

Mdou discussed “Imouhar” further in a chat with contributing host Kallao following the performance. Mdou Moctar then wrapped their World Cafe session with Funeral for Justice closer, “Modern Slaves.”

Watch Mdou Moctar’s World Cafe performance and interview below:

Mdou Moctar have a couple festival plays on the horizon. Scroll down for their itinerary and ticket info.