Somali Night Fever: the little-known story of Somalia's disco era

In the 1970s and 80s Mogadishu's airwaves were filled with Somali funk, disco, soul and reggae.
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Musicians rocking afros and bell-bottom trousers would perform at the city's trendiest nightclubs during the height of the country's golden era of music. But it was short-lived: a brutal civil war began, musicians fled to all corners of the world and the vibrant music scene came to an end.
Habib and Abdulkadir, two former band mates and best friends, lost touch after the war started, and neither knew if the other was alive. But both kept playing music. Somali Night Fever tells the story of the people keeping Somali music alive, including these two friends, separated by war but united by the music of the golden era.
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#somalia #somalimusic #disco #nightfever #somali

[@RS16DZ]

War is a terrible thing, I wish you all the best my Somali brothers and sisters. Peace and Love from Algeria

[@okocha291]

Thank you brother, I know about the Algerian Struggles too and i wish peace for you too

[@NSalah2006]

Thanks for your kind words💕

[@maxmad6021]

my father was born in Kenya and knew how Somalia was in the 60s and 70s - I also have a lot of Somali friends - I’ve looked at Somalia’s history it saddens me such a rich nation with so much heritage, beautiful people, traditions and values has had a heartbreaking 30 years of war - the question is for what ?? - I pray Somalia becomes stable and I can one day visit this region and experience its beautiful beaches and culture

[@aishayas2]

Harks Singh 😊 I pray the same, keep the prayers coming, and for sure you will experience the beauty. For sure

[@millgoheff9708]

Men created war boys in long trousers and a gun in hand . We are trying to make them stop but they are enjoying killing each other and women / children too . 😪

[@Abshir1it1is]

That was beautiful, brother. And very heartwarming. Thank you, and much love in turn. Insha’allah we will all be able to experience those warm beaches again.

[@geletoz]

You are welcome brother 🇸🇴

[@aliaarshe6001]

Sababtu Waa Tigrey Injirley OO USA Kagaqaadatey Qorshe Fashilmey OO Ahaa Leynta Qowmiyada Somaliyeed Ee Muslimka Ineykatirtiraan Geeska Africa Weynasuurto Galiweysey Ilahey Mahadiisa

[@anthonywest4173]

SOMALIA WAS ONCE THE JEWEL OF AFRICA! SOMALIA WILL RETURN TO IT'S GLORY!

[@missallsundayx]

Inshallah ❤️

[@mushken65]

Only in your dreams and fantacy

[@aidrus3554]

Somalia is corrupt. Somaliland is the future

[@trapstar8581]

@@aidrus3554 stfup qabyaladayste

[@djanezma9991]

Aidrus qabilestee nacaala kugu taalo

[@adduuahmed6153]

Even the Roman emperors fall , and Italy learned a lot from the past , Somalia is not the first country that fall of the world stage and will not be the last. Long live somalia 🇸🇴 HARGEISa Mogadishu . The music is part of DNA. Thanks to guardian for making this wonderful short documentary.🙏🏿

[@abdihassan894]

Forget Hargeisa sort muqdisho and the rest of Somalia you morons Hargeisa is the capital of Somaliland

[@adduuahmed6153]

Abdi Hassan I’m from HARGEISA and I want united Somalia 🇸🇴,

[@hassanabdirahman2923]

@@adduuahmed6153 thank u bro waxaa tahay nin wadane ah mildheer wax kafireya

[@abdirahmanahmedmohamed9701]

For ever love in somalia and all the world we are one family thanks ADDUU AHMED

[@warsameadam5572]

I’m from Hargeisa and I support “Shanta Soomaaliyeed”

[@muhammedabdulazeez6395]

May Allah make Somalia great again love from Nigeria!!!

[@jugulagu3397]

Ina Libaax LoL you shouldn’t speak! You don’t even have a country!

[@gambashaga]

Tanière du loup puissance go and search what made Somalia great!

[@omarducaysane4591]

@@gambashaga why don't you tell??

[@wais_45]

@@jugulagu3397 "dont have a country" well you should be ashamed that Sland is acting more like a country than Somalia LMAO

[@jugulagu3397]

wais_45 Sland is not a country!

[@thomasbell7033]

I am an American, born in Texas, a journalist. This little film taught me more about Somalia than ten years of seeing it in the US media. Somali pirates, Blackhawk Down, warlords. That's all we see.

[@arcticpandaros570]

Yeah I’m Somali myself but most of the things are lost and all the younger generations don’t ask their parents about the culture

[@khadijaali6856]

You Americans know nothing please stay ignorant

[@africanus0.1]

@@arcticpandaros570 To be fair to our elders and parents' generation, we (young ones) are a lot more individualistic and are less willing to hear about their lived experiences. Also, there aren't many left of those that were youngsters back in the 70s and 80s. Those that remain have their own worries and lives to live, so it's incumbent on us (those that have reached 25+) who have become wiser thanks to time to preserve what's left of those beautiful times as well as recording the uncomfortable times our elders and parents have lived through.

[@whoisonmars963]

My guy said “brrt brrt” to express his sparkling suit jacket 😂💗

[@coolcat6341]

I loved it very expressive

[@chaeyoungsbestie414]

In somali we use a lot of onomatopoeia as adjectives, and we usually say the noise twice. Like taking a shot/drinking something really fast is "kac kasii" kac being just a noise imitating when you snap back and drink something fast. Somali is a pretty expressive language lol you can make up a bunch of noises and people will understand what you say, especially if you couple it with hand movements and gestures which somalis love

[@mr.tech252]

@@chaeyoungsbestie414 i guess it's "Qac kasii" with Q. Kac kasii has different meanings

[@najibnoor2624]

Somali itself is a language of poets....!!

[@waterproof0]

@@najibnoor2624 and they say we are Arabs i always laugh :)

[@Sai.b]

Am not a Somali but my love for music got me into listening to Somali music.

[@Lizziesouth]

**Somali not somalian

[@somsom9207]

Somali music is great. Do you know and like an Artist?

[@francescocatalano3675]

I have been working in Somalia and remember of the nights at Juba and Uruba. I wish you all Somali will overcome tribal division and live together to build a peaceful and tolerant society

[@francescocatalano3675]

I understand that the actual situation is far too complex and simply wish you Somali live in peace together becomes a fragile statement after all the sufferings and useless destruction you had undergone But in such situation you have to be stronger than your negative feelings and think about others who win like Ghandi

[@icewarm2191]

@@sunshine-qq4eb A stupid regime did that. Many noble Somalis refused to go with the regime. Many picked guns to fight the regime. There is no excuse for what you are trying to do, which is break up Somalia.

[@dickvanhorneater405]

sunshine 300 thousands Darold’s have been killed during the civil war everybody died we got over it u should get over it

[@Samira-su9xp]

@@sunshine-qq4eb Who is "they"? Care to explain?

[@eastafricana1584]

@@sunshine-qq4eb so do isaaq killed people from muqdisho🤷🏾‍♀️

[@megaman2127]

So sad how a couple of people in power can destroy the future of so many people.

[@MohamedSaid-ob3ug]

It is not only few ppl, almost the whole nation who beleived those few idiot ppl. Somalia is destroyed by the Somali's.

[@warsameadam5572]

Yet it’s happening until now and will continue to happen everywhere in Somalia unless people get educated and take back their future and country.

[@gabrielabdul8372]

@Quraysh القريش The main problem in Somalia is the Hawiye tribe. Yes i know before the civil war we had a dictatorship government but it was strong and well respected everywhere in the world. Our kids were going to school and we had peace. Sometimes its better to have bad government than having no government. Then it was the Hawiye tribe that reduced the government to ashes. I don't hate anyone but I'm just saying the truth. Hawiye tribe are more violent and aggressive people.

[@LexlutherVII]

Quraysh القريش@Arabs and Bantu'?smh,mental troll whom is full with BS get some help!☠

[@maxamedabdi4161]

Thats why we are called the third world

[@spinach4616]

i have been so disconnected from my home. Hooyaday didn’t speak to us in somali. So i know not much. Seeing the war i thought the disconnect was for the better but i missed out in so much. We can’t loose hope. Inshallah we will rebuild our community and glory. Listening to Sahro dawo, faadumo qassim , the dur-dur band tubeec and magool and so many more shows be how beautiful and unique we are creatively.

[@missallsundayx]

Breaks my heart that I didn’t live through Somalia’s peaceful times. Such a rich culture we have

[@osmankalif3500]

Yup.. we missed the hay days 🥲

[@overtothisside504]

@@osmankalif3500 we really did

[@mahmoudbarreh88]

Some music critics viewed Somali music as the missing link of the world music. It combines different melodies in a strange and nice way. The Somali album ' Sweet as Broken Dates' was nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for the best historical album category. Some example are here ( sorry I cannot put KZbin links ). You can look up following songs (written in Somali) The first two words are the artist's name and the rest is the song's name. Aamina Feyr Gol Maroodi Dur Dur Band Is Yeelyel Nimcaan Hilaac Qalbi The songs combine old schoo l(classic), Disco era and modern.

[@Kotu1000]

I absolutely love that album and make other people love it . And I am from Poland

[@dwighthayes4738]

I can sooo feel this too. I am an American that lives in Germany and the Somali community in the Mosque has literally embraced me as one of their own. The music, the culture and the region has a very magnetic pull on me.

[@dwighthayes4738]

@Yas Gasovna And I too love my African Brothers and sisters continent wide too. I just returned from The Arabian desert and the Red Sea a few weeks ago and the Egyptian Arabs and the Nubians all treat me like family every time I am there. In fact most approach me asking am I from Sudan, was I Tuareg, was I from Kenya or am I Nuba. This happens to me often. LOL I was once detained by immigration control flying back to Germany from Sinai as they did not believe that I was an American even with my passport and was questioned as to my familial lineage and the names and births of my family members for nearly an hour. LOL They tried to keep me.

[@Blessedron1]

I enjoyed this video, love from an eritrean 🇪🇷❤️

[@walidali2623]

catchmeifyoucan love brother 🇸🇴

[@JohnDoe-tb2sz]

You Eritrean people were the only people that really supported peace in Somalia 😭😭😭 then Ethiopia had to ruin it by attacking the ICU

[@abdiwelilaamka6697]

TCGGg+HD

[@abiiecreate8980]

@Fark You indeed, but better than nothing, The ICU were not like a terrorist organization, They became one after, also the ICU is still leading the country

[@zeygedi2673]

Let's help Adeer Abdikadir Korea to reunite with his family.

[@qaaliahmed4984]

Zaynab gedi we have to walhi I feel sad seeing him carrying 😢😢😢

[@saidali9012]

Walai me too... Bring back peace insha Allah

[@sumayaali6772]

Zaynab gedi I wish I could help it pained to see such a beautiful soul cry because of the distance between him and his children

[@badminton6967]

Good idea I'm ready to donate what I can Insha Allah

[@ahmedabdirahman3849]

Could someone tell me why he can't just get back it's as easy as booking a flight back home

[@THEUSUALSUSPECT99]

I’m so sad that i wasn’t born or raised in my country but inshallah Somalia will be great again and i will be able to raise my future kids there inshallah

[@NgataNare]

I've cried watching this video. War destroyed so many good things .

[@daviroza4700]

Kenya and Ethiopia took Somali territories Somalia has neighbors who find terrorism and armed groups to keep Somalia failed

[@JustMaLiKiD]

Lool why am I reading the subtitles, like I can’t understand Somali??🤷🏽‍♂️😂

[@bing2b989]

MaliBoy ikr 😭

[@nurao-o3985]

Me too 😂😂😂

[@ahmedabdirahman3849]

Same here sxb😂 found it to be a bit easier

[@mnbvmnbv8964]

Bcz of da accent innit

[@123suado]

i think it became a habit of mine due to watching so many animes/kdramas

[@sangemohammed2057]

I have cried when i watched this video Yaa allah make somalia great again

[@Suusuumo]

It was never great.

[@woundswings1589]

Yarta Landerad ah every African nation was peaceful

[@harmonyhd2469]

Lucifer aka Allah is what has destroyed Somalia.

[@hassnahahlansa1675]

@@harmonyhd2469 keyboard warrior lmao

[@asma89890]

Lol no man no cry

[@user-jl9hy5yg4c]

Ya Allah please restore Somalia to what it was and protect us from the evil of those who seek to destroy us. I miss my people 😭

[@samiyashariif1337]

Thanks my sister

[@rustybookshelf8566]

My Dad still lives in this era . He's not a conservative dad so me and him and my siblings (he's a single dad) , we have nights where we watch Somali documentaries or just music . He's the best

[@Nico.Robin7]

Somalia will rise again. Like a Phoenix from its ashes. It's only a matter of time 💙💙.

[@TravelwithRia92]

This was so exciting to watch as a Somali thank you for this ❤️ I hope we can go back to a peaceful Somalia once again insh’Allah

[@ahmedessa1364]

Badria Ditch the medieval barbaric practices of Arabic Islam then Somalia will prosper with secularism...

[@perphectcrymeproductions9699]

ahmed essa no such thing as Arabic Islam. Islam knows no race. Less hateful speech please, that's the premise of this video.

[@perphectcrymeproductions9699]

ahmed essa No such thing again. False accusations, you can't use blanket statement and then avoid to address it. Islam empowers women. First it was race, now women's rights. Somali culture is inherently islamic. Perhaps it would help if you understood women's rights from an unbiased standpoint. And may I add, if you are disputing the word of God then you should bring forth something to the contrary. Don't attack races. Islam is the only faith that recognises all races as equal. Refer to the last sermon of the prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

[@ahmedessa1364]

@@perphectcrymeproductions9699 stop acting stupid, we all know that the shahadah of one man is equal to two women we know that women are not suppose to inherit more than men we also know that women in Islam are considered to be lacking a brain and religion, you are not fooling anyone everyone knows what Islam is so cut the stupidity. Somalia was doing fine up until they adopted the Arab way of living and they Islamized a secular society, that was when things got fucked up...

[@perphectcrymeproductions9699]

ahmed essa Lol, I am not acting at all. I wish I had the talent! All of your arguments are simplistic and ill-informed. I challenged you to bring forth anything that can withstand the wisdom in the Qur'an. You couldn't. Let's agree on that first. Secondly, similar arguments could be made for men under islamic law and you would still consider that sexist, wouldn't you? I suggest you learn the faith well enough before passing judgements. You can't critique something that you don't know very well. That's why I said unbiased standpoint.

[@Sharkschannel1]

Long life the Somali art, music, songs and culture. I'm very proud to be Somali

[@JAGUARR1]

Habib sharaabi is one of the best Somali artists that ever lived. I remember growing up with his music while my father was listening to him. I live in the northern Somalia specially Awdal region, where Adal empire used to rule once upon a time. You talk about somalia, you talk about sultanates, kingdoms and empires. I love my country and my people and may Almighty Allah bless them all. I can't wait for the day that we make use of our priceless natural resources, rebuild our great government and country; and also the day that we rewrite our glorious priceless history. Great vedio, i really loved it.

[@adenrich9124]

its a shame that the world has forgotten our beauty

[@abdik9002]

Shame on us! Do not blame anyone,brother!

[@hassanmohamudali3065]

@@abdik9002 I agree 100%, Somalia failed because of somalis

[@sagalmusse6977]

@@abdik9002 You are absolutely right, but it's SAD .

[@kaytooncarraale5584]

It is shame that we forgot our culture and language. We nowadays prefer to write in English instead of Somali. What an irony!

[@hassanmohamudali3065]

@@kaytooncarraale5584 You know preaching water but taking wine

[@yasinmire5995]

I just love looking Korea's face through everything he's happy singing "iimaan alla uur buuxiye" alhamdulilah

[@K6723]

Thank you Guardian for shedding the somali community in a good light

[@superfalko]

Somalis have a great understanding for rhythm. It's fascinating to see how they created there own unique sound. I love DUR-DUR BAND they are super funky. Much love from a German 🙌

[@abdulosable8641]

No pun intended, but I will be the one to make Somalia great again. Support the movement when I run for president!💙🇸🇴

[@shadel9769]

We all Waiting for u

[@aishayas2]

That kinda of attitude is what changes the world. We are waiting for you. Hit up them books and get over here. With love From Somalia

[@abdulosable8641]

💙🇸🇴

[@blueangel1939]

Saxib I'll support you !! 💙🇸🇴

[@لاالهالااللهمحمدرسولاللهص.ع.وس]

Asc walalaha somaliyed Arim ba iheysata Alle dartii $30 ya Igu cawin kara🙏❤🇸🇴a

[@theliberalthinker3308]

I miss the old soulful Somalia. The creative land that achieved a musical revolution in a very short period (in about 50 years).

[@Xxamzyx]

😭 Ya Allah please help me help my country back to the freedom, peace, intelligence and wealth it once had yet has been buried deep down!

[@لاالهالااللهمحمدرسولاللهص.ع.وس]

Asc walalaha somaliyed Arim ba iheysata Alle dartii $30 ya Igu cawin kara🙏❤🇸🇴w

[@iliyano567]

Somalis just have pure hearts😍😍😍😍 I can't wait to go back home

[@ramatgan1]

This was when Somalia had a chance. Then came tribalism and arabs bringing salafism and look at it today.

[@sevenscounty409]

Waryaa afweeyne fasaahad ayu umaada uu horseedey. Qamro la cabro iyo gabdho wacaalo laga dheley maad ilbaaxnimo modey?

[@shivi9799]

abdi abdi siyaad markuu joogay kufsiga iyo dilka walaalahooda meey aqoon(waana falalka qof shaqsi ah ku kaco ugu weeyn) maxeey islam u tartay dadka somali?

[@disarmsox]

@Jaamac Waal Back then it was more moderate.

[@warsameadam5572]

God damn right about that Hussein. This is what defeated people look like in case you wonder.

[@rid9160]

Why are these people feeling the need to comment some Arab and Islamic hate on every Somali documentary. Somali people always had tribes and they always will.

[@khaithemoonchild6046]

Man I miss those days even though I wasn’t born to see it. Just seeing the photos, old vids and old music is so exciting looking back at how peaceful and beautiful our country was. I will forever embrace being Somali no matter what even though I was born in North America!

[@tim4210]

For anybody who wants to listen to some fantastic Somalian music from this era, I would recommend Dur-Dur Band's Volume 5 album.

[@opone695]

Thx. This was helpful

[@sharrewarsame]

There is SOMALI NO SOMALIAN

[@maalinmaali8833]

@@sharrewarsame dhasha land qajila

[@Whimswirl]

@@maalinmaali8833 Maxaa laga qajilayaa?

[@somali.liibaan6059]

@@sharrewarsame there somali. 💙💙🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴💙💙💙💙🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴💙💙💙

[@ceciliecerise]

My dad was born in the mid 60s and grew up in Somalia. He really loves music. He always tells me how beautiful Mogadishu was... it’s sad to see how the civil war ruined all this tradition. My mum also loves music, listens to it day in day out but she’s from Djibouti. Either way music will always be apart of this culture and I’m happy that my parents still keep listening to it even if we live in London.

[@qaalid252]

zay inshallah greater Somalia will happen 🇸🇴🇸🇴

[@crystaljefferphetamine]

same. i grew up with my mum listening to 70s somali music while she was in the kitchen cooking. wonderful times. inshallah Somalia will prosper.

[@makesense9927]

WOW! Western and Arab jealousy will never allow us to enjoy Africa.... How can Somalia not be recognized by International community?

[@kimono5812]

I think they meant somaliland not somalia

[@LexlutherVII]

ki mono@😂😂

[@kimono5812]

@@LexlutherVII what's funny

[@ishmaelali3022]

We don't have to wait recognition from those who're working hard on how to erase our face on earth, it's upto us to get up and stand for who we're. We're proud whether we're recognized or unrecognized 💪

[@makesense9927]

@@ishmaelali3022 well said

[@HawrarLyrics]

Salaam to sahra halgan, sad to see habiib sharabi getting old, he is a legend.

[@aishayas2]

Yusuf Jama lol she is human after all.

[@geletoz]

@@aishayas2 xabiib sharaabi is not a she lol

[@sharrewarsame]

🗣Somalia hanoolaato❤️🇸🇴❤️💪🏿🇸🇴💪🏿

[@maurchanhoe2270]

did my mans j describe something being sparkling as "brrrd brrd"? I love my ppl Lmaoooo

[@Bashir000]

lol

[@babyramses5066]

Knaan samples some of the groovy music from this era his tracks..Mogadishu looks lit back then maybe one day ..if arts are allowed to flourish then I think Somalia will do so much better

[@SHEGO-HARD]

I feel like as a PEOPLE, we need to LEARN how to FORGIVE and not to BLAME. Once we do that we can UNITE and RISE again. INSHALLAH

[@Fadka213]

Forgive whooo

[@red9352]

Somalia 🇸🇴 haa nolatoo From Borama City Awdal State of Somalia 🇸🇴🙏🏾

[@timacade5638]

red sorry bro you're minority kkkkk

[@abshir2010]

@Que_Rico Those people they are different ethnics with diferent language culture or religion but Somalis are one people one language and one culture, so dividing such a people is impossible unless they are conquered by external forces and divide them for their sake and interest in other words divide and rule or get your interest without any negotitation. United we stand divide we will fall.

[@Linx_82]

@Que_Rico Don't be ignorant Somalia has big enough problems and I doubt it can be fixed with dividing the whole country. I would get it if you were talking about Congo or South Africa who have many languages ethnics groups and religions. But somalia is one of those few places with a homogeneous population with one language and one religion I makes no sense to divide it and it would only cause more trouble. Besides Djibouti is a different story because they were colonized by other powers who wanted them independent you can't compare the two

[@LexlutherVII]

Link_ 82@what somalia needs is a great leader just like china!!😈

[@selmaguuled5142]

Que_Rico Thats the stupidest thing I’ve ever HEARD!

[@TheVintageRomance]

What a heartbreaking but inspiring documentary. InshAllah may Somalia find peace again.

[@maalinmaali8833]

Every one who need to understand somali music in 1970 Shareero band Durdur band Both where best musicians in somalia old age music

[@AkafiAli]

This is so beautiful, WOW! inshallah Somali will get better!!

[@bob-qt1di]

Khanis

[@Tactical5]

hi

[@IkramMaxamud]

​@@bob-qt1diceeeb😢

[@eza9071]

"I hope that art, music, songs, will play a crucial role of connecting to the past and to a better future for Somali people" let's make this a reality to all my creative Somali artists out there

[@user-qx8op7pn1o]

Love my country! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and if gives me hope for my beautiful country:)

[@Waryaatv123]

🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴

[@abdikal566]

I cried to the end i was born un 1993 n didnt get to see the heaven side of my country i hope i get to see before i die

[@SM-fj4kz]

inshallah

[@aminsahid5636]

Emotional! Unfortunately I haven't been these golden moments. Best is yet to come - still waiting.

[@aducaale328]

Living legends.. We love you all. Best regards from Mogadishu, Somalia ❤

[@FatmaAli-kg2qi]

So sad...This takes me way back. May Allah give Somalia peace and stability. Amiin ya Allah.

[@thacrypt223]

This documentary brought tears to my eyes, really well done. Thank you so much 😍👍🏾.

[@amarushakur77]

Now, Music is alien. Wahabism killed everything. All of them are Somali artists whom we love dearly. Thank You. I will jump in joy the day I met you. Hiddo Dhawr is the hope. We shall all support it.

[@Westlake72]

Good but I wish there was more actual music in the documentary. Also links to 1970s and 80s Mogadishu tracks on KZbin would be good too.

[@zarin]

This is a great compilation if you aren't already familiar.. ostinatorecords.bandcamp.com/album/sweet-as-broken-dates-lost-somali-tapes-from-the-horn-of-africa

[@maughtner]

@@zarin nice thanks for sharing

[@zarin]

@@maughtner This one too.. analogafrica.bandcamp.com/album/dur-dur-of-somalia-volume-1-volume-2-previously-unreleased-tracks

[@ramatgan1]

This was when Somalia had a chance. Then came tribalism and arabs bringing salafism spread through 'charity schools' and look at it today.

[@theckp]

Totally agree. Can we get more music?!!!

[@dragneel4541]

Love from Somali 🇸🇴🇸🇴

[@hassnahahlansa1675]

This is soo emotional.... Imagine we would have been born in Somalia ..and not some diaspora countries ..Rabbi hear our prayers as Somali children

[@MrAkm1984]

This was moving!! My Somali culture is so rich yet crippled. I long for the day my people recognize their true power and finally choose to love one another regardless of colonial lines. Somali people will rise again!!

[@zj9451]

Respect and love Mother Africa 💕❤️🇵🇰Love Somalia from Pakistan ❤️♥️

[@dailyxiin]

😍🇸🇴❤🇵🇰

[@adamwardheere1407]

Growing up in Mogdishu in the 70s was the best time of my life dancing at some of the top night clubs in the city and the BEE GEEZ saturday night fever was my favorite dance music.I remember a lot of white people both men and women mostly Russians and Italians and others used to go to Shabeele and was a lot of drinking and dancing till the morning and every body having a good time....Somali girls used to wear tight pants and jeans and flaunt their long beautiful hair and nobody have problem with them .I think those good old days are over because we have the Arab Quran as a constitution today that created Alshbaab and divided the country....What a sad transformation ...

[@IsmaAragto]

I am glad these people's lives are documented. I teared up watching this. I was barely 1 years old in 1991 when we left Somalia 🇸🇴 but always feel something missing

[@abdiyassin5355]

This is heart wrenching. The Somalia that my generation missed out on.

[@dunya4754]

Hargeysa hoyga fanka ❤️ Hargeysa home of literature the heart of musicians and poetry May you long live.

[@sunshine-qq4eb]

Yes 💕

[@voicesofsvaahaa]

Dunyaa agreed ❤️

[@yasmin-qj8zm]

And Mogadishu you saw the Singers that wish every day and night to go back to Mogadishu we are more beautiful together

[@geletoz]

@@yasmin-qj8zm so true..walahi these people do not want to admit that truth..xaraaraan lahayn in unity, xoog baan lahayn in unity...pride baa hortaagan

[@filsanmohamud9774]

Thank you so much The guardian for uploading something that is so precious to me.

[@overtothisside504]

This is second time watching this it's bring joy when I see Somalis being themselves and not worrying about religion or politics I long for the day where Somalis can bring the culture back and show the world the real Somalis not what's portrayed in the media

[@Tactical5]

We can not forget about religion either

[@Bashir000]

yes we can and we will@@Tactical5

[@jhs9143]

I feel so bad for them may allah let them meet again

[@BuffySummers]

OMG I knew it wasn’t just my family who made weird sounds to describe things they couldn’t put into words. 😂 reminds me of my ayeeyo 🇸🇴

[@qwerty56122]

This is so refreshing to watch as a Somali😁

[@cookiesandrainbows3322]

If only we could bring back the old Somalia😭

[@maryamabdullah8896]

Please my Somali people forgive each other and unite again

[@overtothisside504]

Jubaland, hirshabelle, Galmudug, Ogaden, Djibouti and Puntland are very happy without you and we Somalilanders are doing our own thing it's over let it go Soomali weyn waay damaate

[@donwade9800]

That the team was able to elegantly pack so much into 15 minutes with such nuance...I just... This is a beautiful film. Well done.

[@moeadam448]

Man I wish I was born when times where peaceful and happy. I’m a Somali man who has lived in the uk and never stepped foot on Somali soil before 😢

[@yasskakaan2481]

may Allah saw us the path to build somalia and make all somalia one not divided. long live somalia and proud to be one

[@muhku10]

This was amazing doc!! Inshallah one day somalia will unite just like before. For now SOMALILAND HA NOOLAATO❤️🙏🏽

[@abshir9677]

stop trying to break up somalia. There is no such thing as Somaliland. Have you no shame.

[@muhku10]

Abshir Yes there is, just look on the video and you’ll see it I hate people like you who don’t want us to be recognized internationally. Inshallah we’ll get it soon and then you’ll see how well known is somaliland for their natural, music and of course the lovely culture. I had no such thing to break up somalia. Have a good day pal’.

[@aldoushuxley6080]

I understand the want for separation by Somaliland but how will that benefit you? Somaliland, though much more peaceful than the rest of Somalia, still has serious issues like corruption and starvation. It’s not going to be fixed by seceding. Somalis more than anything need unity. Every Somali worldwide should work towards fixing all of Somalia so we can go back home.

[@abshir9677]

@@muhku10 what's amusing is how somalilanders take pride in the name somaliland when the name somaliland was the colonial name for a region the British controlled. It was called British somaliland. The irony is Britian is one of the few countries who recognizes somaliland. Also Israel supports somaliland. Imagine a former colonial power supporting the fracture of a nation it once controlled. Divide and conquer as they say. Somalilanders are nothing more than tools for foreign influence in somalia. Get over yourself and read a book you ignorant bufoon. There is no such thing as somaliland culture only north somali culture. No country except your former colonial power will support you. Most of the world only supports somalia. You people disgust me. You take pride in somaliland prospering while you sit and watch your Muslim somali brothers and sisters starve on the other side of that country. But no worries somalia is already progressing. Somalia economy is growing and violence is decreasing. We were once a great country and we will return to that inshallah .

[@elmirajackson693]

No I'm standing aside my country through the bad and the good the thick and the thin alxdulilah calaa kuli xaal SOMALIA HANOOLAATO HAJIRTO WADANKEYGA WAA JECLAHEY ILHEY HAXIFDIYO

[@Wordplay252]

One of the best Story online . Thank you Guardian :-) It ignited a new waves of hope within me :-) Thank you All

[@hungry4success445]

SOMALIA will get on its feet once again...never lose hope🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴🇸🇴

[@glowwithmuna]

Love this story. Thank you for making it. My mom used to share beautiful stories of her and her fam growing up in Mogadishu. It was so different then ♥️

[@mranasthewanted3889]

My fellow Somali legends . God bless you and I’m hoping Soon Somalia will get back to it best Inshallah. Great documentary 🇸🇴💯💯💯💯🔥

[@queensomali2612]

maybe after 30 years because our people are getting more extreme just like Afghanistan.

[@Somalibanker]

Thank U the guardian for your effort to remind the golden era of Somalia.

[@radwa1879]

Awww I’m SO PROUD to say I’m somali, we’re such lively and amazing people

[@HowardWimshurst]

Fantastic story

[@AkafiAli]

It is! amazing!

[@naaneeynana960]

Ur handsome howard 😊

[@hanian7908]

Naaneey Nana okay random

[@okocha291]

@@naaneeynana960 caadi iska dhig

[@sabsx3217]

right? it’s so mad to learn more about my own culture nd country before my mum was born - it makes believe that my creative side came from an ancestor of mine

[@yasinmire5995]

The most humble and happy people in the world I'm just proud to be somali 🙌🙏

[@Karisma187]

I love kaban and qarami like Mohamed Mooge Liban 👑👑👑... Sahra Halgaan is glowing, such an amazing, talented and patriotic woman ❤️👏🏾❤️...

[@trapstar8581]

Most Somali old music have meaning and where made for a real story😍

[@nadiration]

You can't blame everything on Siad Barre though. He was patriotic but there was allot of factors that had taken part the demise of government in somalia.

[@abbasfit3254]

im crying😭 old is gold🇸🇴

[@maqoslemaquuste9089]

It’s really sad to see. How our country was three decades ago, and where we at now.😞😒

[@mohammedfarah5547]

Beautiful time in our history we Somali need to unite and bring back the good old days and forget about these corrupt politicians that are dividing our country

[@wam1549]

In my years as a caseworker, I met Somali families from different parts of Somalia and of different ages. I noted most of the elderly Somalis were educated, knew how to speak Italian and were able to speak of a time without war. The younger Somalis, sadly, didn't speak Italian, had minimal education and only knew war and life as refugees. I pray one day Somalia will live and thrive in peace. Inshallah!!

[@millgoheff9708]

It made me nostalgic i remember my late mother listening to cassettes I've still got some of her cassettes . The young generation have missed the beauty of Mogadisho walking in streets in the evening going to a cafe or ice cream parlor for sparmuto / fresh orange / mango juice sitting on the beach in urubha or juba hotel . Live concerts . Beautiful memories that i can visualise and no one can take that away . 🤗

[@untappedhappiness]

I never had to experience the hardships of what the people in this video faced, but it still made me very emotional. I hope to see a day where Somali can thrive again, without the fear of oppressive dictators or Al-Shabaab looming over our people.

[@user-vy2ot8xg9s]

I hope for that time to comeback😢

[@mdneery9618]

Korea's story really touched me, I cried a lot.

[@switchbladesx5808]

I miss how Somalia has been now it just is soo different

Love from Africa to Somali

[@harmonyhd2469]

Somalia is in Africa. So where in particular in Africa are you sending your greetings from?

[@harmonyhd2469]

@ Somalia

@@harmonyhd2469 Ethiopia

[@qwertyasf]

💗💗💗💗💗💗 back at you 😊😊

[@salebanabdi9886]

4:36 The song say everything Stay Strong Adero 2 Somalia Legend ❤️🙏❤️

[@warfaasaed1691]

I hope one day this beautiful country will get soon peace stability and development Long life my country🇸🇴💙

[@cadnaanstudio]

Now Somalia have been Wahabi-nised; they wear afghan dresses there are no somali girls who wear gunto and dirac sad.

[@wondroussoul5414]

Unfortunately 😥 we r leaving our culture

[@kaytooncarraale5584]

Quraysh From your name I understand that you love Arabs. I am over 50 years, old enough to remember how it was the Somalia I grew up in the 70s: peaceful, Shaafi’i school of Islam that was tolerant and gentle, women dressing guntiino, garays, masar (not hijab) and traditional dresses. And they were much better Muslims than those you see today in every aspect. People were reasonable and had a healthy view of life. You are perhaps a kid who only knows about the Salafi-influenced Somalis of today.

[@cadnaanstudio]

@Quraysh القريش we are not arabs and we dont have arab traditions.

[@xo8639]

Quraysh القريش actually less than 20% of the Somali language is Arabic, and most the words are to do with Politics and religion.

[@xo8639]

Quraysh القريش and the guntiino is not Arab clothes, it’s Somali clothes. We have been wearing since the beginning of time, and remember, East Africans we’re the first people on Earth, proven by science

[@canbuuleeste4152]

thank you for putting this together. I really enjoyed watching it. we will have our country back again inshaalah