Sahel Sounds summer supremacy | Amber Amber & L/MA0RI

Created by Christopher Kirkley in 2008, Sahel Sounds is multi-disciplinary project showcasing artists and traditions from Sub-Saharan West Africa. A prolific record label with over 80 releases, Sahel Sounds is the home of artists like beloved Tuareg band Les Filles de Illighadad, Nigerien synth pioneer Mamman Sani, Senegal folklorist Tidiane Thiam and Saharan guitar jammers Etran de L’Aïr, among many others.

Transylvanian DJ / journalist Andra Amber Nikolayi (@amberamberdj) took PR and communications duty in 2022, joined by Franco-Nigerienne DJ, musician and radio host Lucia Maori (@tauruzsnis) in 2023.

While the project remains Kirkley’s brainchild, Andra and Lucia are currently spreading the Sahel Sounds gospel through DJ sets, mixes and a little bit of magic.