Azawad is a song that speaks about fairness and the power of belief. It’s a tribute to the Tuaregs in the desert between Mali, Niger and Gao, who wanted the freedom to practice their free beliefs. Azawad is the name given to northern Mali by Tuareg rebels, as well as a former short-lived unrecognized proto-state. Its independence was declared unilaterally by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad in 2012, after a Tuareg rebellion drove the Malian Army from the region. It rejoined Mali in February 2013.