The most popular group in the West African country of Niger, Tal National was scheduled to make their debut in Toronto on March 29^th at the Drake Hotel. Unfortunately the promoters had to cancel the show. In a story that’s become all too familiar these days, the group were unable to secure visas in time to make their tour happen.

Tal National are legendary for their unique Afro Pop parties in Nyami, with shows lasting until daylight. In a country where so few can afford instruments, let alone studio time, their first album was a revelation. Drawing on regional traditions from highlife to soukous, Afrobeat and desert blues, they upped the intensity to create what’s nothing short of African rock – a joyously hypnotic sound, with guitars dancing around deep grooves and driving percussion.

On stage Tal National performs with anywhere from six to thirteen musicians. Their concert material combines original songs with new arrangements of West African folk songs, themes of which deal with love, tolerance, peace, feminine beauty, and the woman’s physical dance expression based on traditional African rhythms.