Imarhan is a Tuareg quintet from Tamanrasset, Algeria, formed in 2006. Led by vocalist Iyad Moussa Ben Abderahmane (known as Sadam), the band sings in Tamasheq and weaves Saharan guitar grooves with contemporary electronic textures. Four albums on the German label City Slang - including 'Temet' (2018) and 'Aboogi' (2022) - have established them as one of the most distinctive acts in the Tuareg music scene.
Imarhan released their fourth album 'Essam' on January 16, 2026 via City Slang, featuring electronic elements in their sound for the first time.
For 'Essam' they collaborated for the first time with producer Maxime Kosinetz and electronic musician Emile Papandreou, who sampled live instruments via a modular synthesizer.
Imarhan appeared as a guest musician on 'Hoggar', the tenth album by Tinariwen, which was released in March 2026.
In October 2025 the band announced a UK/EU tour for early 2026 alongside the new album, with performances in Manchester, Leeds, London and Cardiff.
In 2026 the band celebrates their twentieth anniversary with a world tour, including a performance in Groningen on October 11, 2026.
Two-day festival celebrating North African desert blues from Algeria, Mauritania and Mali. Featuring Imarhan, Tamikrest, Songhoy Blues and other acclaimed artists.
Two-day festival of North African desert blues from Algeria, Mauritania and Mali, featuring artists like Imarhan, Samba Touré and Noura Mint Seymali.
Tuareg band Imarhan brings their guitar-driven world music rooted in traditional Sahara influences to SPOT Groningen.
