The unstoppable story of the Dur-Dur Band

In 1980s Mogadishu a golden era of musical experimentation was under way. Following the proclamation of an independent Somalia in 1960, a bloodless military coup in 1969 and the subsequent establishment of a socialist republic, the nation was gradually pulling away from the influence of the Soviet Union, ushering in a vibrant period of cultural cross-fertilisation.

Young people in the capital were listening to US soul by artists such as James Brown and the Jackson 5, and disco from America and Europe. Soon home-grown groups proliferated across the city, blending those influences with Somali-language lyrics and traditional instruments, such as the shareero lyre and ashiko drum. 

One of the most popular was the Iftin Band, which held a residency at Al-Uruba club, playing a heady mix of polyrhythmic funk, soul and reggae-infused bass. Drawing crowds from across the social spectrum — young, old, rich and poor — their weekly sessions became the hottest ticket in town.

Read the feature in Hyphen Online.

[This piece was published on 02/12/24]