I’ve been listening to the new live Khaira Arby album and I’ll tell you what: I’m a fan.

So here’s her 2011 Tiny Desk set for NPR.

If you’re not yet familiar with her, Khaira Arby is something known as “The Nightingale of Timbuktu,” while NPR calls her “the queen of desert rock.” Whatever you call her, her musical influence cannot be denied.

According to Wikipedia, “She began singing at a young age for weddings and traditional festivals, and at the age of eleven, began singing in a musical troupe from the city of Timbuktu.” Even after facing family pressure from her father and husband to abandon music, Arby persisted. And we are thankful.

Setlist:

1. Salou

2. Cinquantenaire

3. Goumou

• Follow Khaira Arby at Facebook

• Purchase Khaira Arby’s music at Amazon

• Listen to/Download the Holiday at the Sea playlist: Tuareg Guitar: Welcome To Saharan Desert Rock