Tamikrest is a musical group that embodies the spirit and soul of the Saharan desert blues tradition, intertwining it with rock influences to articulate the struggles and aspirations of the Tuareg community. Formed in 2006, the band was created when a group of young musicians from Kidal, a town in the north-eastern expanse of Mali, converged with shared aspirations to express their culture and issues through music, a medium deeply rooted in Tuareg identity. With Ousmane Ag Mossa leading the charge as vocalist and guitarist, the group has consistently integrated the rolling rhythms and plaintive melodies characteristic of Tuareg folk with the energy and anthemic quality of Western rock and blues.

The discography of Tamikrest is a journey through the contemporary Tuareg experience, narrated by impassioned songs and soul-stirring compositions. Their debut album, "Adagh" (2009), immediately positioned them as torchbearers of the desert rock genre, followed by critically acclaimed albums like "Toumastin" (2011), "Chatma" (2013), and the raw, live energy captured in "Taksera" (2015). The band's dedication to their art and their message shone brightly with the release of "Kidal" (2017), named after their hometown and a testament to their roots and ongoing cultural struggles. Their latest offering, "Tamotaït" (2020), continues to expand their sound while maintaining the haunting beauty and poignancy that they are known for, evidenced in tracks like "Timtarin" and "Awnafin". Each release from Tamikrest not only contributes to the rich tapestry of world music but also acts as a vehicle for awareness and unity, as they continue to uplift the voice of their people through art and melody.