Hiddo Dhawr [LP]

Sahra Halgan, Somaliland's iconic singer, freedom fighter, and cultural activist, returns with third album 'Hiddo Dhawr', a culmination of enduring friendship and global explorationSeamlessly blending age-old Somali traditions with abrasive guitar riffs, sun-drenched percussion, and vintage keys, the album offers a fresh take on the music of Somaliland, the independent but not internationally recognized state in the Horn of AfricaInside a large, tent-like structure in downtown Hargeisa, Somaliland's tranquil capital city, is the Hiddo Dhawr, Somaliland's first music venue. On the stage at the far end of the room a drummer and oud player up the tempo, while the singers pass the microphone to one another. The atmosphere is electric, and as the evening progresses, the joy in the room is palpable.This is Hiddo Dhawr, Somaliland's first music venue. 'I started it because I wanted to bring back our culture, so that people can be proud of it,' says Sahra Halgan, cultural activist, musician, and founder of this lively Hargeisa cultural hub, which opened in 2013.Hiddo Dhawr, which translates to 'promote culture', is also the name of Halgan's new album, an electrifying blend of Somali melodies, distorted guitar riffs, thumping West African percussion, and Halgan's unique, warbling vocals. Halgan chose this name for the album to honor the women of Somaliland.Tracklisting:A1. SharafA2. LagaA3. Som HanyariA4. Somaliland Ani AdiA5. Hiddo DhawrA6. LiilalawB1. DiiyoohidiiB2. Qaram QalafeB3. MagoolB4. LamahuranB5. HooyalayB6. Dareen