Dur-Dur of Somalia: Vol. 1 & 2

Throughout the 1970s and 80s arts and culture flourished in Somalia despite Mohamed Siad Barre’s oppressive regime. One of the greatest bands to emerge from this artistically vibrant period was Dur Dur Band, who immediately stood out for their blend of traditional Somali rhythms like Banaadiri beats, reggae-like Daantho and spiritual Saar music with funk, soul, disco, and New Wave. This Analog Africa reissue, which focuses on Dur Dur’s first two albums from 1986 and 1987, is an explosive, danceable, and immensely fun record that attests to the seismic impact Dur Dur had on Somali music.