Somali Music

The strained notes of the Somali music as if remind of the turmoil and the suffering that the people of Somalia have gone through. These Somali songs represent the collective experience of the mass and leave a lasting impression on the listener. Somali music hence is an intricate part of the Somalia Culture.

With the advent of Arabic and English invasion, the music of Somalia has resulted into a fine blend of both the African and the Arabic notes. The musical instruments that are used in the music of Somalia include frame drums from Egypt and the West Indian Lutes. The Islamis influenc ein Somali music is evident from the oud and the Egyptian style orchestra. Somali music also constitute the Arabic microtonal scales and the pentatonics.

One of the most revered Somali Music Artists is Maryam Murshal. She is reported to have left the country during the civil war of the 1990s.

Some of the recommended audio CDs are that of Maryam Murshal's The Journey and Waaberi's New Dawn, which is a fine blend of the rhythmic oud and the African Percussion.

Whether it is the Somali classical singers or the street singers of Somalia, the music is performative as the language, the lyrics and the beats try to hold on to the roots and tradition of performative art form.

The tradition of Somali music can be traced back from the period of war of independence. Many freedom songs were composed, which called fro the awakening of the people to rebuild their ideals and the nation in turn. The awakening songs of Somalia still continue to inspire the people of Somalia. The present time in the country is the time of crisis and the call of the time is to eradicate the social evils like corruption, drugs and bribery.