DiscoverKreative KontrolEp. #874: Mdou Moctar
Ep. #874: Mdou Moctar

Ep. #874: Mdou Moctar

Update: 2024-06-04
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This episode of Creative Control features an interview with Mamadou Soleimani, the frontman of the Tawa-reg rock band M.Dou Maktar, and Mikey Colton, a musician who collaborates with the band. The episode focuses on the band's latest album, "Funeral for Justice," which was released on May 3rd, 2024. The conversation delves into the album's themes of global injustice, inspired by events happening around the world, including in Africa, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Mali, and Niger. The band discusses how these events have influenced Soleimani's songwriting and the album's overall message. The episode also explores the band's creative process, including how they work together on music and lyrics, and the importance of trust in their collaboration. The episode concludes with a discussion about the band's future plans, including touring and new music releases.

Outlines

00:00:00
Support Creative Control

This Chapter begins with a call to action for listeners to support the podcast through the supporter feature from Acast. The host encourages listeners to contribute any amount they choose, emphasizing that there is no regular commitment required. The host expresses gratitude to listeners for their support and encourages them to consider supporting Yes, a youth empowerment and support services organization based in Edmonton, Alberta. Yes provides shelter, housing, and wraparound supports for young people aged 15 to 24, working to prevent youth homelessness. The host encourages listeners to learn more about Yes and donate at yess.org.

00:01:10
Tribute Song to Creative Control

This Chapter features a message from Matthias, a musician in the band The Burning Hell, who expresses his admiration for Creative Control and encourages listeners to support the podcast on Patreon. He highlights the value of quality long-form arts journalism and emphasizes the importance of supporting Vishkana's work. He encourages listeners to make a flexible monthly donation on Patreon to help Vishkana continue producing the podcast.

00:02:33
M.Dou Maktar: Funeral for Justice

This Chapter introduces Mamadou Soleimani, known as M.Dou Maktar, and Mikey Colton, musicians who collaborated on the album "Funeral for Justice." The episode delves into the album's themes, including global injustice, the importance of trust in music, and the band's creative process. The conversation explores the album's title, the band's musical style, and their future plans.

00:15:22
Supporting Creative Control

This Chapter discusses the challenges of podcasting and the importance of crowdfunding. The host explains that podcasters typically do not receive significant income from companies like Apple and Spotify, and that revenue is largely dependent on listener support. The host encourages listeners to support the podcast on Patreon to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, and to help sustain the show.

Keywords

M.Dou Maktar


M.Dou Maktar is a Tawa-reg rock band led by Mamadou Soleimani, known for their explosive and energetic music. The band is based in Tawa, Niger, and has released seven albums, including their latest, "Funeral for Justice." Their music often incorporates traditional Tawa-reg instruments and rhythms, blended with elements of rock and roll. M.Dou Maktar's music is characterized by its powerful vocals, driving rhythms, and politically charged lyrics. The band has gained international recognition for their unique sound and their commitment to social justice.

Funeral for Justice


"Funeral for Justice" is the seventh studio album by the Tawa-reg rock band M.Dou Maktar, released on May 3rd, 2024. The album is a politically charged work that addresses themes of global injustice, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by people in Africa and other parts of the world. The album's title reflects the band's belief that justice is often absent in the world, and that the consequences of this lack of justice are severe. The album's lyrics are deeply personal and introspective, reflecting Soleimani's own experiences and observations of the world around him. "Funeral for Justice" is a powerful and thought-provoking album that showcases M.Dou Maktar's musical talent and their commitment to social justice.

Tawa-reg


Tawa-reg is a nomadic Tuareg people who live in the Sahara Desert, primarily in northern Mali, Niger, and Algeria. They are known for their distinctive culture, language, and music. Tawa-reg music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the guitar, the imzad (a one-stringed lute), and the tinde (a drum). The music often features complex rhythms and melodies, and it is often used to tell stories, express emotions, and celebrate cultural traditions. Tawa-reg music has gained international recognition in recent years, with artists like M.Dou Maktar bringing their unique sound to a global audience.

Mamadou Soleimani


Mamadou Soleimani, known as M.Dou Maktar, is the frontman of the Tawa-reg rock band M.Dou Maktar. He is a talented musician and songwriter, known for his powerful vocals and his politically charged lyrics. Soleimani's music is deeply rooted in his Tawa-reg heritage, but it also incorporates elements of rock and roll, creating a unique and compelling sound. He is a passionate advocate for social justice and uses his music to raise awareness about the issues facing people in Africa and around the world.

Mikey Colton


Mikey Colton is a musician who collaborates with the Tawa-reg rock band M.Dou Maktar. He is known for his work as a producer and multi-instrumentalist. Colton has worked with M.Dou Maktar on several of their albums, including "Funeral for Justice." He is a talented musician with a deep understanding of music production, and he has played a significant role in shaping the sound of M.Dou Maktar's music.

Creative Control


Creative Control is a podcast hosted by Vishkana, a long-form arts journalist. The podcast features interviews with artists from all over the world, covering a wide range of topics, including music, film, art, and culture. Creative Control is known for its insightful and engaging interviews, its focus on quality journalism, and its commitment to supporting artists and their work. The podcast is listener-supported and relies on crowdfunding to continue producing new episodes.

Patreon


Patreon is a platform that allows creators to receive direct financial support from their fans. Creators can offer exclusive content, rewards, and benefits to their patrons in exchange for monthly subscriptions. Patreon is a popular platform for podcasters, musicians, artists, and other creators who rely on crowdfunding to support their work. Patreon allows creators to build a direct relationship with their fans and to receive ongoing financial support for their projects.

Global Injustice


Global injustice refers to the systemic inequalities and unfairness that exist in the world, affecting people across different countries and regions. These injustices can manifest in various forms, including poverty, hunger, lack of access to education and healthcare, discrimination, and human rights violations. Global injustice is a complex issue with deep historical roots, and it requires collective action and international cooperation to address.

Q&A

  • What are the main themes explored in M.Dou Maktar's album "Funeral for Justice"?

    The album explores themes of global injustice, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by people in Africa and other parts of the world. The album's title reflects the band's belief that justice is often absent in the world, and that the consequences of this lack of justice are severe.

  • How has the band's creative process evolved since their previous album, "Afrique Victim"?

    The band has doubled down on a conceptual framework for "Funeral for Justice," creating a lyrical story that unfolds throughout the album. While previous albums had a sonic story, "Funeral for Justice" focuses on a more cohesive narrative through the lyrics.

  • What role does trust play in M.Dou Maktar's music and collaboration?

    Trust is essential to the band's music and collaboration. The band members emphasize the importance of trust between the players, which has contributed to the band's growth and success. Trust allows them to be vulnerable and open in their creative process, leading to a more authentic and impactful sound.

  • How does M.Dou Maktar's music incorporate repetition?

    The band's music often incorporates repetition, which serves to emphasize certain themes and ideas. Repetition can create a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener deeper into the music and the message being conveyed. It also adds a sense of urgency and intensity to the music, reflecting the seriousness of the issues being addressed.

  • What are M.Dou Maktar's future plans?

    The band plans to continue touring the world, releasing new music, and engaging in philanthropic projects. They are committed to using their music to raise awareness about social justice issues and to inspire positive change in the world.

Show Notes

EVERY OTHER KREATIVE KONTROL EPISODE IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE TO $6 PATREON SUPPORTERS. Enjoy this excerpt and please subscribe now via this link to hear this full episode. Thanks!


Mdou Moctar and Mikey Coltun discuss their band's wondrous new album Funeral for Justice, singing new songs about worldwide problems and not just in Africa, landing on an album title that tonally suits the lyrics and sound of Funeral for Justice, jet lag and feeling sleepy, why doing interviews is so important to explain Mdou Moctar songs, trust and being a better band, why their music and vocals might incorporate repetition, Mikey’s new tape label Purplish Records and Marc Masters’ book about cassette history and culture, new Mdou Moctar music and philanthropic projects, touring the world, other future plans, and much more.


Support vish on Patreon! Thanks to Blackbyrd MyoozikPizza Trokaderothe BookshelfPlanet Bean Coffee, and Grandad’s Donuts. Support Y.E.S.S. and Black Women United YEG. Follow vish online.


Related episodes/links:


Ep. #867: BIG|BRAVE

Ep. #813: Marc Masters

Ep. #755: Pierre Kwenders

Ep. #615: Mdou Moctar

Ep. #591: Matt Sweeney

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Ep. #874: Mdou Moctar

Ep. #874: Mdou Moctar