Mdou Moctar share final album teaser, "Oh France"

In July 2023 – after Funeral For Justice had been completed – Niger’s democratically elected government was deposed in a military coup. The president was placed under house arrest and the nation plunged into a state of chaos and uncertainty. The French have withdrawn. The area continues to be threatened by terrorism. The band – then on tour in the US – was, for a time, unable to return to their families.

"I don't support the coup," explains Mdou, "but I never in my life liked France in my country. I don't hate France or French people, I don't hate American people either, but I don't support their manipulative policies, what they do in Africa. In 2023 we want to be free, we need to smile, you understand?"

In June, Mdou Moctar will launch US and European headlining tours with festival appearances at Bonnaroo, Green River, Glastonbury, and End of the Road, among others. The band will play a headline show at Electric Brixton in London on 3 July, with further UK headline dates later in the year.

The forthcoming release was recorded at the close of two years spent touring the globe following the release of 2021 breakout Afrique Victime.