Mdou Moctar Hold a 'Funeral for Justice' on New Album
Watch a video for the album's title track
"Mdou Moctar has been a strong anti-colonial band ever since I've been a part of it," says producer and bassist Mikey Coltun. "France came in, fucked up the country, then said 'you’re free.' And they’re not."
Following the completion of Funeral for Justice in July 2023, Niger's democratically elected government was deposed in a violent military coup — leaving Moctar, guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane and drummer Souleymane Ibrahim temporarily stuck in the US following a North American tour.
The album's title track, which you can hear accompanied by a video below, finds Moctar addressing African leaders directly: "Retake control of your countries, rich in resources / Build them and quit sleeping."
"I don't support the coup," Moctar explains, "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?"
Mdou Moctar have also announced a North American tour for June following April engagements at Coachella. While no Canadian dates are featured, further details can be found via the group's official website.
Funeral for Justice:
1. Funeral for Justice
2. Imouhar
3. Takoba
4. Sousoume
5. Imagerhan
6. Tchinta
7. Djallo #1
8. Oh France
9. Modern Slaves