Awale Kullane
March 2005 - Kaban, Somali rap, Sami Yusuf
Healing Somalia with the Arts
It's heartening to see how music is casting such a positive light over Somalia as the country settles into a new government. After the overthrow of President Siad Barrein 1991, fighting between rival warlords and subsequent famine and disease led to the death of up to one million people.
Now every Somali has a tragic story to tell and a pain to forget as the community makes the transition to recovery and development. In this healing process, Somali artists reflect, motivate and light up the richness of their homeland. Their music and poetry keeps the dream of normality alive and hopefully softens the challenges of rebuilding lives emotionally as well as physically.
Kaban
This time we will talk about the Kaban - a traditional instrument very much like a guitar but with four strings. In Somali music the kaban is often played with the oud, or 'lud' (an Arabian lute). Kaban is also a generic term for classic Somali jazz, a style alternating between soothing, soft melodies and powerful rhythms and lyrics. Kaban and lud giants include the late Omar Dhule, Hudaydi Abdi Badil and Cabdicasis.
For now, let's look at Abdi Badil - a well known living artist from the current front-liners. To me he's not only a great singer but also an amazing kabanist, having played in the popular Heegan group since 1975. Abdi sprang to fame in the early '80s by winning a Somali equivalent to Pop Idol with his song 'Amaran'. Called 'Heesaha Hir Gala', it was a radio show that helped countless singers to go on and become stars.
Abdi Badil's new album is a must-buy in my list. Called Baadi-doon , (which roughly translated means 'in search of') it literally crosses oceans with a production team from Waberi, Australia. However, like most Somali artists, he never loses sight of the plight of Somalians, dedicating the track 'Baadidoon' to the nation.
Another outstanding kabanist, Cabdicasiis Jarmalhas supported major Somali artists like Kooshin. On his latest album, Meeday , strong rhythms carry the listener on a beautiful musical journey. Look out for my favourite track, 'Damac Jacayl'. London and Denmark branches of Safari (African music specialists and experts in sourcing Somali music) stock it.
With some help from Abdi Badil (on production and kaban), newcomer Nasteex has burst onto the scene with his fantastic album, Nuurto. Faithfully sticking to kaban styles, it's another reassuring sign of the survival of traditional Somali music. Nasteex , who is based in Germany, performs magnificent duets with Abdi on songs like 'Heelo'.
Latest Somali Rap
As the new government is established, it's a time of change for Somali people. A positive take on our future has been voiced by a renowned Somali-born American professor named Ahmed Ismail Samatar. His paper 'New Beginning' suggests creation of better surviving skills and principles among Somalis and I was recently reminded of his words at AAR's launch party for their album, Manta, in West London's Cobden Club.
The launch was kindly sponsored by a company (LL Wedding Services) run by an optimistic young Somali lady. In her spare time she generously supports Somali causes, accepting the current wave of changes as well as nurturing the traditional trends and culture. Passionate about music and general Somali Art, and lending so much support to another band from her country - as well as being a successful Somali businesswoman - is proof that Samatar's advice is already being taken and new beginnings are underway.
I was the host that night and supporting AAR was Abdi Yare - another great young artist who blew the audience away with original and classic Somali music. Guests included Abdul (also known as the 'Dhalad', meaing 'born & original') and I heard rumours about him working with the great Somali artist Ahmed Naaji to produce a joint album of classic and modern songs.
Also at the launch was a celebrated Somali/ Djibouti artist, Abdinuur Alale. He raved about AAR, saying that the new Somali rappers are not taking over but actually mining untapped resources. Keen to work with them in the future, he said it's an exiting turn for Somali music and underlined the value of originality, saying he felt humble to witness such change.
Islamic Music: Sami Yusuf
With all the bad press about Islam over the past few years, it's refreshing to be able to celebrate the religion and culture through music. About 90% of Somalis are muslims, and a fundamentalist attitude that music is the devil's work should be overlooked.
Sami Yusef expresses his devotion to Islam through vibrant music and encourages the youth to be proud of their religion and identity. A poet, composer and multi-talented musician, his album, Al-Mu Allim (meaning 'The Teacher') is exquisitely crafted and takes listeners on an emotional journey, charged with middle-Eastern harmonies.
Awale's recommended CDs
Abdi Badil - Baadi-doon
Cabdicasiis 'Jarmal' - Meeday
Nasteex - Nuurto
Sami Yusef - Album: Al-Mu Allim
Check out my recommended CDs this month in the CD Reviews section or go to Music Search to look at our archive of recommended CDs.