Bombino to Rock Regent Theater

Stephanie Hernandez

Omara Moctar, or “Bombino” as he is known now, is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and Tuareg guitarist from Agadez, Niger. At just 35 years of age his music has been used in protest of the Tuareg rebellion of the 1990s and made its way stateside into the hands of The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, who produced his sophomore album “Nomad.” Bombino’s unique style and level of musicianship is truly something you have to see to believe, which is why you should make it to The Regent Theater to catch him live.

In 1990 Bombino, along with the remainder of his family, were forced to flee to Nigeria due to the violence that came with the outbreak of the Tuareg Rebellion. It was during this time that Bombino began his love affair with music, learning to play a guitar that his relatives had left behind. Eventually he was able to study under highly respected Tuareg guitarist Haja Bebe, who later asked him to join his band. It was Bebe who bestowed the nickname “Bombino” onto the guitarist, a play on the Italian word bambino meaning little one. While living in Algeria teenage Bombino became fascinated by Jimi Hendrix and labored to learn this new style while earning a living as a musician and herder in the deserts nearby. However, in 2007, political tensions finally burst and spurred into another Tuareg Rebellion. The government cracked down hard, banning anything that they felt fueled the people’s sense of rebellion, including guitars. Bombino was forced to flee once more after the execution of two of his band members. The rebellion was resolved and in 2010 was declared over; Bombino was able to return home and was given the blessing by the Sultan to play a joyous concert on the steps of the Grand Mosque in Aldez. While in exile, filmmaker and fan Roy Wyman tracked Bombino down and convinced him to professionally record his music.  The two alongside producer Chris Decato laid down what was to be his first album “Agadez” in 2011, debuting at the top of the iTunes world chart. The record reached the ears of Dan Auerbach and in 2012; the fellow guitarist began producing Bombino’s second album, “Nomad.”

Nomad was released on the Black Keys Label, Nonesuch Records in mid 2013. Bombino began touring stateside, which included appearances at Bonnaroo, Coachella and even openings stints with Robert Plant and Gogol Bordello. Bombino’s music is more than the sum of its parts. Highly political lyrics paired with his pure musical talent make for an energy charged show every time.

Bombino will take the stage at The Regent Theater May 14. Tickets available here.