Songhoy Blues are a "desert blues" band from Timbuktu, Mali. The songs presented here are from a record call Music in Exile, which is literally true: the members of the band were driven from their homes by Islamists bent on a strict interpretation of sharia law, which included a ban on music. The band formed as their country descended into civil war. Music in Exile was co-produced by a man rock fans know from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Zinner. As Bob Boilen of NPR says, "Rock and the desert blues, already closely connected in attitude and sound, fuse nicely with his touch — and can be felt in blissful rawness here."

Songs:
"Sekou Oumarou" 00:00
"Al Hassidi Terei" 03:46
"Soubour" 07:49