At a time when many Tuareg musicians turn their eyes westward, the band of Ahmed Ag Kaedi focuses primarily on its audience of Kidal in northern Mali.
Since Tinariwen, Terakaft and Tamikrest have moved on to international careers, Amanar have emerged as the most popular band of the city, playing for weddings and parties.
Ahmed's lyrics refer to the importance of education for the Tuareg community and also calls for the construction of a large united Mali; an unusual point of view, very far from the revolutionary messages of the Ishumar. "If we continue to hear these old songs that call to arms, we cannot become Malians," he said.
Ahmed has gathered around him young musicians from Kidal, whom he hosts and trains in his open house. Amanar doesn’t hesitate in modernising the sound of the Tuareg guitar by introducing drums, electric piano and even a touch of rap. In general, Amanar tries to get away from the music of Tinariwen, with the idea that the best way of respecting the founding group is not to copy it.
