Mdou Moctar

Mdou Moctar
Moctar performing in 2014
Background information
Birth nameMahamadou Souleymane
Also known asM.dou Mouktar
Born1984 (age 4041)
Abalak, Niger
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active2008–present
LabelsSahel Sounds, Stone Tapes, Matador
Websitemdoumoctar.com

Mahamadou Souleymane (born 1984), known professionally as Mdou Moctar (also M.dou Mouktar), is a Nigerien guitarist, singer and songwriter who performs modern rock music inspired by Tuareg guitar music. His music first gained attention through a trading network of mobile phones and memory cards in West Africa. He sings in the Tamasheq language. Moctar's fourth album, Ilana: The Creator, released in 2019, was the first to feature a full band. He plays guitar in the takamba and assouf styles. He also appeared in the 2015 film Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai (Rain the Color of Blue with a Little Red in It).