Hailing from the Sahara Desert region of Mali in West Africa, globally-beloved rock collective Tamikrest are bringing their singular sound to the Lower Mainland for one night only. Fresh off their international tour and the success of their acclaimed latest album, Tamotait, the powerhouse group will take over the Massey Theatre, May 26 for a heady night of desert blues – delivered in their inimitable musical style. Tamikrest in tamasheq language means junction, connection, knot, coalition. Though their music takes root in Ishumar Rock or Tuareg Blues, it borrows from various international influences as well as from neighbouring cultures. Formed in Kidal with musicians from Mali, Niger, Algeria and France, Tamikrest incorporates heavy American rock, reggae, world music and folk to create a sound that is both global and utterly unique – as the band put it, “A desert hosts us, a language unites us, a culture binds us.” Don’t miss this chance to experience one of the world’s most unique and powerful bands.