Posts tagged somali music

Heard the major news this week as the young Somali singer/songwriter duo Iman and Siham Hashi formed FAARROW? Iman and Siham, were born in Mogadishu, Somalia and emigrated to Toronto, Canada as refugees. In an effort to master their fears and achieve their dreams, the sister duo moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2006 to create a world of their very own achievements. They began recording there and within six shorts months, caught the attention of our nation’s top record label. Not forgetting where they came from, the sisters also serve as spokespersons with the U.N. Refugee Agency and are actively involved with humanitarian efforts for the United Nations and other organizations alike. In addition, the duo contribute to the empowerment of women through their business venture, WI$H CREATIVELY! Iman, meaning ‘FAITH’ and Siham, meaning “ARROW’ gives light to their name, FAARROW. More fitting as they’ve evolved and outgrown the name, Sweet Rush, their music has evolved into the highly anticipated and beautifully-rooted vibes of heavy beats and flows. Now working with industry heavy weights, Grammy award winning producers, NO I.D, and DJ Khalil, on their first album as FAARROW, the sisters continue to inspire their generation to strengthen their dreams, paint over today, and create their own tomorrows. 

What better way to celebrate your country than a namesake to channel your music? For Oakland based artist, Somalia, her music is a direct reflection of her past and present paths in life. A firm believer in the principle of one person making a difference, Somalia aspires through her words and music to build peace among nations, religions, race and tribalism. She was recently signed to Oakland based Squad Music Group and is represented by Adore Management. Not only does Somalia make time to record her amazing music, but through the efforts of her label a portion of proceeds of her debut single “Our Day Will Come” was contributed to help families in Somalia. Listen to her music here and follow her on Facebook here. 

What better way to celebrate your country than a namesake to channel your music? For Oakland based artist, Somalia, her music is a direct reflection of her past and present paths in life. A firm believer in the principle of one person making a difference, Somalia aspires through her words and music to build peace among nations, religions, race and tribalism. She was recently signed to Oakland based Squad Music Group and is represented by Adore Management. Not only does Somalia make time to record her amazing music, but through the efforts of her label a portion of proceeds of her debut single “Our Day Will Come” was contributed to help families in Somalia. Listen to her music here and follow her on Facebook here. 

What is a young Somali girl in her twenties from Etobicoke, Canada to do? If you’re Cold Specks then that answer is to sing your heart out! Already making critical waves in the U.K., with television performances on “Later With Jools Holland” and raved after in British media, Cold Specks has now graced us with her album “I Predict A Graceful Expulsion”. Describing her sound as “Doom Soul”, Cold Specks’ music is steeped in the musical traditions of the deep American South with her influences including James Carr along with Bill Callahan and Tom Waits. Her sound evokes a visceral emotion that speaks of the ‘spirit feel’ of Mahalia Jackson and her sparse arrangements and chain gang rhythms are guaranteed to stop you dead in your tracks. Visit her website here for a listen to her new album and check out her previous albums on the label Arts and Crafts here. Read her latest coverage in the Globe and Mail; and make sure to check her out when she starts her tour in May. Follow her as well on Twitter here and let her know how moved you were! Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali!

What is a young Somali girl in her twenties from Etobicoke, Canada to do? If you’re Cold Specks then that answer is to sing your heart out! Already making critical waves in the U.K., with television performances on “Later With Jools Holland” and raved after in British media, Cold Specks has now graced us with her album “I Predict A Graceful Expulsion”. Describing her sound as “Doom Soul”, Cold Specks’ music is steeped in the musical traditions of the deep American South with her influences including James Carr along with Bill Callahan and Tom Waits. Her sound evokes a visceral emotion that speaks of the ‘spirit feel’ of Mahalia Jackson and her sparse arrangements and chain gang rhythms are guaranteed to stop you dead in your tracks. Visit her website here for a listen to her new album and check out her previous albums on the label Arts and Crafts here. Read her latest coverage in the Globe and Mail; and make sure to check her out when she starts her tour in May. Follow her as well on Twitter here and let her know how moved you were! Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali!

For those looking for something different, try listening to Somali hip hop artists Malitia MaliMob. Embodying the true tale of what hip hop is built on; Malitia MaliMob’s music invokes exhilarating passion, striking emotions, and conscious tales. They are proud of their story and let their music speak for itself whether in the hard hitting “Bosses in the Buildin” or the raw grunge of “class is in session”. You can catch them in concerts this April in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Toronto. For more of their concert series, visit their Facebook page here. Listen to some of their tracks here, follow them on Twitter here. 

For those looking for something different, try listening to Somali hip hop artists Malitia MaliMob. Embodying the true tale of what hip hop is built on; Malitia MaliMob’s music invokes exhilarating passion, striking emotions, and conscious tales. They are proud of their story and let their music speak for itself whether in the hard hitting “Bosses in the Buildin” or the raw grunge of “class is in session”. You can catch them in concerts this April in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Toronto. For more of their concert series, visit their Facebook page here. Listen to some of their tracks here, follow them on Twitter here. 

If you like reggae music then you should listen to Empress Deeqa. Born in Somalia, Empress Deeqa is a songstress and songwriter currently living in Montreal, Quebec. Deeqa grew up surrounded by reggae music and has been on the Canadian music scene for over 10 years. But her African infused Roots Reggae has afforded her a unique style with performes at the Montreal Jazz Fest, as well as Nuits D’Afrique, Queens of Reggae and numerous other shows. She has shared the stage with Alpha Blondy, Sister Nancy, Toots and the Maytals, Everton Blender and Kali & Dub. She is guaranteed to leave her audiences are captivated and dancing all night long. Listen to her tunes here. Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali!

If you like reggae music then you should listen to Empress Deeqa. Born in Somalia, Empress Deeqa is a songstress and songwriter currently living in Montreal, Quebec. Deeqa grew up surrounded by reggae music and has been on the Canadian music scene for over 10 years. But her African infused Roots Reggae has afforded her a unique style with performes at the Montreal Jazz Fest, as well as Nuits D’Afrique, Queens of Reggae and numerous other shows. She has shared the stage with Alpha Blondy, Sister Nancy, Toots and the Maytals, Everton Blender and Kali & Dub. She is guaranteed to leave her audiences are captivated and dancing all night long. Listen to her tunes here. Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali!