Tuareg psych act Mdou Moctar have announced a brand new studio album alongside a handful of UK tour dates. Tickets for Mdou Moctar’s UK shows go on sale at 10am on Friday 1 March. 

The band’s latest studio album, Funeral For Justice, is set for release on Friday 3 May on Matador Records and will directly discuss the plight of Niger and of the Tuareg people. ‘This album is really different for me,’ explains the band’s singer, namesake and guitarist Moctar. ‘Now the problems of terrorist violence are more serious in Africa. When the US and Europe came here, they said they're going to help us, but what we see is really different. They never help us to find a solution.’

As detailed in a press release for the album, ‘In July 2023 – after Funeral For Justice had been completed – Niger’s democratically elected government was deposed in a military coup. The president was placed under house arrest and the nation plunged into a state of chaos and uncertainty. The French have withdrawn. The area continues to be threatened by terrorism. The band – then on tour in the US – was, for a time, unable to return to their families.’ 

Responding to the coup, Moctar stated, ‘I don't support the coup, but I never in my life liked France in my country. I don't hate France or French people, I don't hate American people either, but I don't support their manipulative policies, what they do in Africa. In 2023 we want to be free, we need to smile, you understand?’ 

Watch the music video for the title track from Funeral For Justice below. 

Mdou Moctar’s 2024 UK tour dates: 
End Of The Road Festival, Dorset, Friday 30 August
Manchester Psych Fest, Manchester, Saturday 31 August
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival, Birmingham, Sunday 1 September
Saint Lukes & The Winged Ox, Glasgow, Monday 2 September
Boiler Shop, Newcastle, Tuesday 3 September
Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, Wednesday 4 September

Tickets for Mdou Moctar’s UK tour dates go on sale at 10am on Friday 1 March.