IMODDA is the band that brought modern Tuareg music to Morocco.  Starting from very humble roots, the group has worked their way to playing at major festivals and concerts all around Morocco.  Their style, desert blues, bridges between their original culture and a modern inspiration, first developed by Ali Farka Toure in Mali, Tinariwen...     

 Like many of the North African desert blues groups, IMODDA uses electric guitars, jambes and electronic drum to fuse between traditional and modern sounds.  However, IMODDA’s sound has its own unique take on the genre.  In their yet to be released upcoming album, Tisslit, IMODDA has experimented with mixing reggae rhythms with the desert blues and the result is hypnotic.  Their lyrics are ardently committed to preserving and engaging with their Amazigh (Berber) culture while at the same time producing rhythms that, although localized, are universally enjoyable. 

All the members of IMODDA were born in the southeast desert of Morocco.  They spent their childhood in the desert, living a nomadic lifestyle, before going to school and settling in the village.  Since childhood they loved music, playing drums and singing songs passed down to them by their families.  As they grew up music was a constant in their lives and today each member of the group is proficient in several instruments.

  IMODDA was formed in 2007 from the coalescence of two bands, led by Hmad Laarossi and Mustafa Ouhaga.  Three years later, in October 2010, IMODDA created a charity under the same name, which operates to promote Amazigh culture and sustainable development in Merzouga.  

Today the group lives in Merzouga, where they work and practice their music.  Drawing inspiration from their surroundings they sing about their life, the desert and their people.  However,
IMODDA’s aim is to not only engage with people from the desert but throughout North Africa and the world.