Waaberi - New Dawn

The music of Somalia is a mixture of African and Arabic influences, with instruments that range from household items like tea cups and water bottles to bongo drums and the oud, a lute traditionally associated with the Middle East. On the ten spirited tracks that make up New Dawn, the focus is primarily on singers Maryam Mursal, Abdi Nuur Alale, and Kadra Dahir, whose passionate vocals drive these songs to ecstatic heights. The stellar musicians urge the singers on, with intricately syncopated rhythms and Salah Qasim's rollicking oud melodies woven tightly together to create dazzling tracks like "Heei Yaa Alahobalin Hobalowa" and "Shubahada," which seem to urge listeners to get up and dance. Read More