In the organizer's words:

From the heart of Tamanrasset in southern Algeria, Imarhan transcend the Tuareg tradition by interweaving hypnotic synthesizers with desert blues. The result is a timeless work - deeply rooted in respect for their origins, yet alive with a moving sense of modernity.

ESSAM is the band's fourth album, recorded with the same core line-up, but marks a significant shift in sound and approach. Musically, it represents a departure from the rocking, bluesy, psychedelic, guitar-driven Tuareg sound influenced by Tinariwen's heritage - towards something more open, modern and experimental.

For the first time, their long-time sound engineer Maxime Kosinetz took on the role of producer. He traveled to Tamanrasset with Emile Papandreou (of French duo UTO) - a multi-instrumentalist who brought in electronic elements by sampling live instruments and reworking them in real time.