Somalian funk and disco collected on 2xLP by Analog Africa

With stories chronicling electrocuted musicians and kidnappings.

Analog Africa is releasing a new compilation of Somalian funk, titled Mogadisco – Dancing Mogadishu (Somalia 1972-1991), on 2xLP this December.

Read more: How Dur Dur Band’s heady mix of funk and traditional Somalian rhythms defined an era

As ’70s Somalia became enamoured with funk and disco, nightclubs quickly began appearing, with luxury hotels also hosting live bands as well.

Analog Africa founder Samy Ben Redjeb journeyed to Mogadishu in 2016 to dig for rare cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes, discovering everything from radio jingles to theatre plays. Eventually he found a stash of disco tunes that would go on to form Mogadisco – Dancing Mogadishu (Somalia 1972-1991).

From the disco and funk sounds of Dur-Dur Band, to the infectious, joyful rhythms of Bakaka Band, Mogadisco – Dancing Mogadishu (Somalia 1972-1991) captures a golden era of Somalian music.

Featuring 12 unreleased tracks, the new release also includes stories detailing everything from musicians being electrocuted to the Dur-Dur Band’s kidnapping.

Head here to pre-order in advance of its 13th of December release, check out the artwork and tracklist below.

Tracklist:

2. Omar Shooli – Hab Isii (Hug Me)

3. Mukhtar Ramadan Iidi – Check Up Your Head

4. Bakaka Band – Geesiyada Halgamayow (Brave Fighters)

5. Fadumo Qassim & Shareero Band – Waakaa Helaa (I like you)

6. Iftin Band – Sirmaqabe (No Secrets)

7. Mukhtar Ramadan Iidi – Baayo (Hey Woman)

8. Shimaali & Killer – Hoobeya (Somali traditional chant)

9. Dur-Dur Band – Shaleedayaa (By Myself)

10. Dur-Dur Band – Ladaney (Woman’s Name) video

11. Bakaka Band – Gobonimada Jira (Choose Freedom)

12. Iftin Band – Ii Ooy Aniga (Cry For Me)