Temet is a huge leap forward in production, as well as creatively for Imarhan. Whereas their debut was anchored in the meditative Desert Blues tradition, Temet eclipses such notions, finding bounce and drive by stirring their sound with funk, fuzz, disco and rock.
This is not a novel concept to the band, as anyone who has seen them play will attest. There is a disparity between their emotional and thoughtful first album and the raucous, ecstatic live show.
And while Temet is decisively more eclectic, the aesthetic wisdom and singular vision of their debut remains on full display. Imarhan's experience as a touring band has reinforced the focus and meaning behind their music. Instead of traversing the desert, these Nomadic travelers have gone global to reflect on today’s struggles.
“Temet” in Tamashek means “connections,“ and Imarhan use it as an energetic wake up call for unity, to remind people that we are all are connected, and that only through the acceptance of this union will we be able to solve the troubles, to bridge the increasing divide between cultures.
Iyad Moussa Ben Abderahmane (aka Sadam) illustrates this by saying, “People should love each other, everyone should get to know their neighbor.
We need to have the same approach as our elders.
You will stumble across an old man who knows the world and he will hand down his knowledge to his children.“

The standout tracks are immediately recognizable on first listen. The first single ’Azzaman’ teases krautrock before turning into a passionate new community anthem.’Tumast’ is a blazing, fervent liberation song with all-for-one handclaps thundering over a frenetic guitar riff, leading to an ecstatic delirium. ’Ehad Wad Dagh’ is an heavy disco jam that blows away any pre-existing concept of Tuareg music.
However, it’s important that the album isn't judged on its powerful dance songs alone, there are subtle tones here as well that relate to the individual sound of the first record.
These classic, elegiac Imarhan songs spread out like an entire landscape in front of you, most notably the emotional and heedful acoustic guitar album-closer ’Mas S-abok’.

With Temet, Imarhan have firmly established themselves as a band to reckon with.
Rather than being distracted by meddling around with big producers or famous guests, they’ve focused this release on their inherent strength of songwriting, using the eternal bonds in their community, families and friendships as a blueprint not only for an amazing standalone album, but as a reference for generations to come.
“We hope that Imarhan will allow the younger generation to become aware of the fundamental importance of friendship.
As long as someone is by your side supporting you, asking for your friendship, what more could you want out of life? You will want for nothing.”