Les Filles are from Illighadad, a secluded commune in central Niger, in the scrubland deserts at the Sahara’s edge. They draw on the traditional tende music of rural Niger that inspired Tuareg blues. The sparse music, which is built from a few elements (vocals, handclaps, percussion), is also dominated by women. Lead vocalist Fatou Seidi Ghali is one of the only Tuareg female guitarists in Niger. In lieu of the djembe or drum kit popular in Tuareg rock bands, Les Filles de Illighadad incorporate the traditional drum and the pounding calabash, half buried in water. Hypnotic guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and polyphonic resonant vocals combine to create a timeless sound.

Lotus World Music and Arts Foundation and WFHB Community Radio have once again partnered to bring the Lotus Festival experience to the airwaves of South Central Indiana! Each Lotus Live session features a different Lotus festival artist for an exclusive performance and interview live from Blockhouse Studios. This session was broadcast live on September 28th 91.3 FM, 98.1 Bloomington, 100.7 Nashville, 106.3 Ellettsville or visit wfhb.org.