Groupe RTD – The Dancing Devils of Djibouti (Ostinato Records, 2020)
This is the first full studio album from Djibouti that has come across our desk. The Dancing Devils of Djibouti showcases the talent of a superb band called Groupe RTD. Music in Djibouti is still controlled by the state and Groupe RTD plays at official ceremonies during the day, but at night they play an explosive mix of sounds. Group RTD incorporates East African, Bollywood, Jamaican, jazz and Arabic influences, all brought together with expert craftsmanship.
Groupe RTD is led by saxophone maestro Mohamed Abdi Alto. The rest of the group includes veteran masters along with young, rising talent: AbdirazakHagi Sufi “Kaajaaa” on guitar; Asma Omar on vocals; Hassan Omar Houssein on vocals; Moussa Aden Ainan on keyboards; Guessod Abdo Hamargod on vocals; Omar Farah Houssein on drums; and Salem Mohamed Ahmed on dumbek.
The physical version on the album is enclosed in an elegant hard cover-book with beautifully-designed liner notes and color photographs.
Buy The Dancing Devils of Djibouti
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.