Sweet as Broken Dates: Lost Somali Tapes From the Horn of Africa

by Various Artists

Sweet as Broken Dates: Lost Somali Tapes From the Horn of Africa cover art

Painstakingly salvaged from a massive archive of cassette tapes buried to survive the Somali Civil War, this release showcases the vibrant musical golden age of 1970s and 80s Mogadishu. The tracks highlight the mesmerizing intersection of traditional Qaraami poetry with slinky funk basslines, reggae rhythms, and swirling synthesizers. It is a profoundly moving, Grammy-nominated act of cultural restoration.

Genres

  • Qaraami

Tracklist

  1. Buuraha U Dheer (The Highest Mountains)
  2. Rag waa Nacab iyo Nasteexo (Men are Cruel and Kind)
  3. Unknown
  4. Haddii Hoobalkii Gabay (If the Artist Let's You Down)
  5. Ninkaan Ogayn (He Who Does Not Know)
  6. Xuduud Ma Leh Xubigaan (This Love Has No Boundaries)
  7. Qaraami (Love)
  8. Gorof (Elixir)
  9. Kadeed Badanaa Naftaydani (My Life is Full of Tribulations)
  10. Na Daadihi (Guide Us)
  11. Uur Hooyo (Mother's Womb)
  12. Qays iyo Layla (Romeo & Juliet)
  13. Oktoobar Waatee? Waa Taayadii (What's October? It's Ours)
  14. Duruuf Maa Laygu Diidee (Rejected Due to My Circumstance)
  15. Anaa Qaylodhaankaan