(TWAR-eg) – Throughout history, music has been both influenced by and an influencer of culture. This is no different for the Tuareg. Their musical style is distinctive and pays homage to their history as desert nomads who are a fiercely independent and proud people. The rhythm draws the listeners’ minds to the desert itself. The words frequently pay homage to those who have gone before them and encourage their listeners to hold fast to their identity and traditions in the midst of a changing world. Famine, persecution, and resistance are common themes, but so are love and family. The songs have been used for everything from declaring love for people or places to inciting rebellions. The music is very enticing; they have bands traveling the world. As these bands travel across Africa, Europe, Asia, and even the United States, pray that these Tuareg musicians will come to know Jesus. Ask that He will lead them to write songs worshiping their Savior and that the Spirit will use them and their new songs to influence their culture for Him.