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In the 1980s, Mogadishu was home to one of East Africa's most vibrant music scenes, where Somali melodies met funk, disco, reggae, soul and jazz. At its centre was Dur- Dur Band, founded by drummer Adan Handal and childhood friend Isse Dahir Qassim.
By 1984, Dur- Dur had become the house band at the legendary Jubba Hotel, developing an explosive live sound that was both deeply local and remarkably modern. While their early cassette releases, Volumes 1 and 2, spread across Somalia, Volumes 3 and 4 marked the band's creative peak.
Recorded during a time of personal tragedy and growing national crisis, the albums captured Dur- Dur pushing musical boundaries. Following the departure of singer Shimaali Ahmed Shimaali and founding bandleader Isse Dahir Qassim's tragic death, Adan Handal guided the band into new sonic territory. Volume 4 became one of their most adventurous recordings, combining electronic percussion, unusual drum textures and reggae-inspired grooves with the unmistakable spirit of Somali music. Today, Dur-Dur's music stands as proof of a creativity that survived war, displacement and decades of silence.
Tracklist
Disc 1
1. Introduction Vol.3
2. Boodhari Sidiisii
3. Shuuta Shuutee
4. Doobnimadey
5. Liibaanta
6. Run Maleysku Sheego
7. Naf Jaceyl
8. Waloow
Disc 2
1. Introduction Vol.4
2. Waan Hubaa
3. Faduma
4. Heelooy Heelooy
5. Adigaa I Dhalanrogey
6. Meedey
7. Alagariire
8. Is Yeel Yeel
9. Gariirtee