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The Tuareg collective embraces electronic textures and modern exploration on their new record, out January 16th, 2026, via City Slang.
Imarhan, the celebrated quintet from the heart of Tamanrasset in South Algeria, have announced their fourth full-length album, ‘ESSAM’, set for release on January 16th, 2026, via City Slang. To mark the announcement, the band have shared the captivating lead single and video, “Derhan n’oulhine” which was directed by Elsa Pennachio.
Known for a sound that transcends Tuareg tradition by weaving hypnotic synths into desert blues, Imarhan are embarking on a significant evolution. While their previous work drew from the foundational, guitar-driven legacy of groups like Tinariwen, ‘ESSAM’ signals a bold departure. The album—whose title means “lightning” in the Tamasheq language—moves toward a sound that is more open, modern, and exploratory.
The shift was catalysed by a new creative approach in their own Aboogi Studio in Tamanrasset. For the first time, the band’s long-time sound engineer, Maxime Kosinetz, stepped into the role of producer. He was joined by Emile Papandreou of the French duo UTO, a multi-instrumentalist who introduced new electronic dimensions to their music. Papandreou sampled the band’s live instruments and reprocessed them in real-time with a modular synthesizer, subtly reshaping Imarhan’s sonic identity without losing its core essence.
The resulting album is imbued with the very pulse of its surroundings. The sounds of clapping friends, echoing voices, and a tangible sense of shared space culminate in a sweeping statement of identity and artistic evolution.
The first taste of this new era arrives with the single “Derhan n’oulhine”. The track tells a timeless story of impossible love and the heartache it brings, set against a backdrop that blends live performance with subtle analog and modular synth textures.
The accompanying music video, directed by Elsa Pennachio and filmed on an 8mm Bolex, visually mirrors the album’s hybrid philosophy. Using traditional film techniques and analog processing, the video creates a unique visual language where film overprints—an element also featured on the album’s cover—blur the lines between the classic and the contemporary.
Watch the video for “Derhan n’oulhine” below.
In addition to the new music, Imarhan have announced they will be embarking on a tour across the UK and Europe next year. Details below.
‘ESSAM’ is available for pre-order now via City Slang: EU | Worldwide / US
ESSAM Tracklisting
SIDE A (23:08)
1 – Ahitmanin
2 – Derhan N’Oulhine (extended version)
3 – Télallalt
4 – Tamiditin
5 – Azaman Amoutay (extended version)
SIDE B (20:54)
6 – Tin Arayth
7 – Tinfoussen
8 – Adounia Tochal (extended version)
9 – Assagasswar
Tour Dates
2025
18.10.25 · FR Toulouse · Le Métronum
04.11.25 · HU Budapest · House Of Music
14.11.25 · FR Redon · Le Carré 9
15.11.25 · FR Le Blanc Mesnil · Espace Culturel Musique et Danse
2026
18.03.26 · UK Manchester · Band On The Wall
19.03.26 · UK Leeds · Old Woolen
20.03.26 · UK Shoreham (near Brighton) · Ropetackle Art Centre
21.03.26 · UK London · 229
22.03.26 · UK Cardiff · Acapella
23.03.26 · UK Falmouth · The Cornish Bank
24.03.26 · UK Bury St Edmonds · Apex
26.03.26 · FR Paris · Trabendo
27.03.26 · FR Alençon · La Luciole TBC
28.03.26 · FR Plougastel-Daoulas · Espace Culturel Avel Vor
09.04.26 · NL Amsterdam · Paradisio
10.04.26 · NL Middelburg · De Spot
Tickets: https://imarhan.lnk.to/TourNe
