Faransiskiyo Somaliland (Buda Records, 2015)
Sahra Halgan Trio is an act from Somaliland, an independent nation (unrecognized internationally) in eastern Africa that broke away from Somalia in 1991. Sahra Halgan is one of Somaliland’s best known performers and Faransiskiyo Somaliland is her first album widely available outside her country.
Musically, Sahra Halgan’s current style seems to have connections with the desert blues sound of the Tuareg and even the music from the other end of Africa. Her Somaliland roots sounds consists of Sahra on vocals and handclaps and French musicians Aymeric Krol on drums, kamalengoni (a West African instrument) and backing vocals; and Mael Saletes on guitars and backing vocals.
The Faransiskiyo Somaliland physical version includes the music CD and a fascinating DVD titled Sahra Halgan Returns to Somaliland by director Cris Ubermann. The film, with English-language subtitles, provides details about the history of Somaliland, the devastating war, how Sahra Halgan was forced to live in exile in Europe for 20 years until her return to her homeland. The documentary also features various aspects of current life in Somaliland. Sahra Halgan now lives in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital.
Faransiskiyo Somaliland features the captivating Somaliland sound of Sahra Halgan, a rising artist in the international world music scene.
Buy Faransiskiyo Somaliland in North America
Buy Faransiskiyo Somaliland in Europe
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
