Malian desert music group Tinariwen embraced by Western rock

The interfaces of Islamic and Western culture are many, but when Tinariwen guitarist Abdallah Ag Lamida was abducted by Islamist rebels in Mali in 2012, it was a potential watershed. The plentiful al-Qaida African affiliates seemed to be saying western music is satanic.

Happily, Ag Lamida was released and rejoined his band.

Producing an earthy, pre-blues guitar sound, Tinariwen could send a tinkle even up the spine of the most battle-hardened Islamist fighter.