Iftin Band Mogadishu's Finest: The Al-Uruba Sessions

Release date:
January 13, 2023
Buy vinyl:

The official retrospective on one of Somalia's most famous and beloved private bands, Iftin, and a companion compilation to our Grammy-nominated "Sweet As Broken Dates". Digitized from cassettes recorded between 1982 and 1987 at the legendary Al-Uruba hotel's secret studio and the jams for the masses performed in the basement of Somalia's national theater. Banaadiri rhythms from Somalia's south, Mogadishu's finest vocalists, Dhaanto reggae-like guitar licks, and smoldering brass blend seamlessly with the sounds of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa to form one of rawest, most cosmopolitan eras of music anywhere. Iftin's Mogadishu is where the world's sounds begin and end.

Tracklist:
  • 1. Aaway Axdigii Aynu Isku Ogeyn? (Where Is Our Promise?) (Feat. Shukri Musse)
  • 2. War Wayneey (Great News) (Feat. Aweeys Qaamis & Siteey Qosol Wanaag)
  • 3. Umaayey Iyo Abo (Mother & Father) (Feat. Axmed Sharif Killer & Safiyo Axmed Mansuur)
  • 4. Deriskaagi Waa Kugu Jahowareeray (Your Neighbor Is Confused About You) (Feat. Axmed Sharif Killer & Siteey Qosol Wanaag)
  • 5. Hobolada Hooyibo (Feat. Dr. Rafi)
  • 6. Xiriirkaagii Aan Kusoo Xarakeeyee (Let's Celebrate Our Relationship) (Feat. Siteey Qosol Wanaag & Aweeys Qaamis)
  • 7. Wiilkii Aan Ku Waashee (The Boy Who Drives Me Crazy) (Feat. Shukri Musse & Axmed Sharif Killer)
  • 8. Ruuney (Feat. Sahra Azura Xasan & Malow Aw Dinle)
  • 9. Haba Ley Habaaree (Let Me Be Cursed) (Feat. Maryan Naasir & Axmed Sharif Killer)
  • 10. Shaydan Buulow (Dancing Devil) (Feat. Siteey Qosol Wanaag & Aweeys Qaamis)
  • 11. Sig Sig Nima (Come Closer) (Feat. Luul Jeylaani & Cabdiraxman Fanaan)
  • 12. Iisoo Buub (Give It to Me) (Feat. Maryan Naasir & Axmed Sharif Killer)
  • 13. Kurbo Jaceyl (Love & Pain) (Feat. Cabdiraxman Fanaan)
  • 14. Imtaxaanka Dunida (The Test of Life) (Feat. Mahmud Abdalla "Jerry" Hussein)