Bombino live at The Cornish Bank

Born in 1980 in the nomadic Tuareg encampment Tidene, just outside Agadez, Niger, Bombino came of age during much political upheaval, fleeing with his family to Algeria by 1990. He taught himself guitar by watching videos of his heroes Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen, and returning to Northern Niger, seven years later, he took on music professionally. After years of honing his skills back home and spending time as a shepherd in Libya, he travelled to California in 2006 as lead soloist on tour with Tidawt.

Since he has recorded records and albums alongside musicians including Keith Richards and Dan Auerbach, showcasing his captivating vocals, his hypnotic, awe-inspiring guitar playing and evocative rhythms, cited as one of NPR's best discoveries of the year. He has received rave reviews from across the globe including a full page feature in the New York Times which dubbed Bombino 'The Sultan of Shred'.

In September 2023, Bombino released his latest album, 'Sahel.' The album is a call for unity in the Sahel region and features a range of performances from acoustic ballads to shredding electric guitar tracks. Regardless of the challenges life throws at him, Bombino marches ever forward on his mission to use music to spread love, understanding, and the beauty of Tuareg culture throughout the world.

Host or Publisher Cornish Bank