Tinariwen

A coup in the capital and a rebellion in the north have put Mali's cultural treasures at risk. Ancient holy sites have been damaged or destroyed, and an international music festival in the Sahara Desert may be in jeopardy.

Even in a stripped-down acoustic formation, Tinariwen's trance-inducing desert music doesn't disappoint. Watch the Tuareg musicians don their beautiful, flowing robes for a stunning set in the NPR Music offices.

Hear the North African group play live and discuss its urgent and heartbreaking new album Tassili.