Tinariwen / David Keenan – The Hoggar Tour live gallery and review from 3Olympia Dublin 25.05.2026

It was may 25th and the atmosphere inside 3Olympia Theatre felt unlike a typical Monday night in Dublin. Long before the lights dimmed, there was a sense of anticipation among the crowd gathered to witness Tinariwen, the legendary desert blues collective whose hypnotic sound has earned them a devoted international following. By the time the band walked onto the stage, wrapped in flowing traditional robes and turbans, the venue had transformed into something closer to a communal gathering.

Opening with “Alkhar Dessouf,” Tinariwen immediately established the slow burning, trance like rhythm that would define much of the nineteen song set. The song’s rolling guitar lines echoed through the theatre while the steady percussion created a pulse that seemed to draw the audience together. Rather than relying on dramatic stage effects or elaborate visuals, the band allowed the music itself to take centre stage, proving how powerful simplicity can be when delivered with such conviction.

Throughout the night, the group moved seamlessly between tracks including “Amidinin Ehaf Solan,” “Amassakoul,” “Toumast Tincha,” and “Chaygibou.” Each song carried the unmistakable Tinariwen sound, layered guitars, repetitive grooves, and vocals that felt both intimate and expansive. Their music possesses a rare quality, deeply rooted in the landscapes and struggles of the Sahara while somehow remaining universally resonant. Even audience members unfamiliar with the lyrics appeared completely absorbed by the emotion and rhythm of the performance.

One of the most striking elements of the evening came from the crowd itself. At various points during the set, ululations rang out from sections of the audience, adding to the communal atmosphere and giving the concert an authenticity that felt spontaneous rather than performative. These cries blended naturally with the music, creating moments where the line between performers and audience almost disappeared entirely.

Despite the length of the set, the performance never lost momentum. Tinariwen maintained a hypnotic consistency throughout, with each song building patiently upon the last. By the end of the night, the applause inside 3Olympia felt less like appreciation for a concert and more like gratitude for an experience. Tinariwen did not simply perform in Dublin, they transported the audience somewhere far beyond it.

Dundalk singer songwriter David Keenan opening the night with a 30 minute set, accompanied by Darren Faulkner.

David Keenan photos:

Tinariwen photos & set-list:

Set-list:
Alkhar Dessouf
Imidiwan Takyadam
Le Chant Des Fauves
Nak Tenere
Kek Aghlam
Sagherat Assani
Amidinin Ehaf Solan
Tahoult
Erghad Afewo
Amassakoul
Tahalamot
Assawt
Toumast Tincha
Nanuflay
Tiwayen
Sastanaqam
Chaygibou
Emin Assossam
Anemouagn

Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic