Nigerien musician Mdou Moctar has released a new song titled “Oh France” ahead of the release of his highly anticipated album, Funeral for Justice, this Friday.
The track, which is the final preview before the album’s release, showcases Moctar’s signature blend of traditional Tuareg music with modern rock influences. The song’s lyrics touch on the complicated relationship between France and its former colonies, with Moctar singing in French, “Oh France, you have taken everything from us, but we still love you.”
In an interview with Pitchfork, Moctar explained the inspiration behind the song, saying, “I wanted to express the love-hate relationship that many African countries have with France. We have been colonized and exploited by them, but at the same time, we have been influenced by their culture and music.”
The accompanying music video for “Oh France” was directed by Cem Misirlioglu and features Moctar performing the song in a desert landscape, surrounded by his bandmates. The visuals perfectly capture the raw energy and emotion of the song.
Funeral for Justice, Moctar’s fifth studio album, is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. It follows his critically acclaimed 2019 album, Ilana (The Creator), which cemented his place as a rising star in the world music scene.
In addition to his music, Moctar is also known for his acting debut in the 2015 film Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai (Rain the Color of Blue with a Little Red in It), a Tuareg adaptation of Prince’s Purple Rain.
With “Oh France,” Moctar continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through his music. Funeral for Justice is set to be another powerful and thought-provoking album from the talented musician.
