Rare Somalian Funk from the Dur-Dur Band
The first of a three-part release from Analog Africa dedicated to the multi-generational Somalian funk group, the Dur-Dur Band. This triple LP features the band’s first two albums, which were originally released on cassette tapes back in the mid-eighties.
Analog Africa founder Samy Ben Redjeb sought out the original versions of the tapes from this group in 2014 after samples of the music were posted in 2007 on John Beadle‘s highly acclaimed African music blog Likembe. After Redjeb’s very informative and somewhat dangerous trip to Mogadishu concluded (which included an arranged armed security escort at all times), he was able to start the process of eventually gaining possession of the original tapes. At the time of the recordings were made, Somalian bands only recorded to cassette tapes, often in the same hotel that the group had a residency. In the eighties, Somalian bands did not even have the option to press to vinyl.
Thanks to the hard work by Analog Africa and Redjeb, these recordings have now been fully restored, remastered, and pressed onto vinyl for the first time, providing new generations of listeners the exciting opportunity to now hear one of Somalia’s greatest funk bands.
Led by keyboardist Isse Dahir, the Dur-Dur Band blends traditional Somali music with funk grooves, soulful vocals, Banaadiri beats, and heavy tropical rhythms that are primed perfectly for the dance floor. The album also features a rotating cast of three lead-vocalists, helping to provide a wide range of musical diversity within the album.
Overall, I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more brilliant single-band focused reissue in 2018. I simply cannot recommend this album enough!
