In 2019, after negotiations spanning many years, Ostinato Records became the first label granted access to the grand Archives of Radiodiffusion-Télévision de Djibouti (RTD), a vault of secrets and stories from East Africa. The first result in our Djibouti Archives series is a seminal anthology of 4 Mars, a 40-member Somali supergroup behind the most streamed and downloaded track on our Grammy-nominated Sweet As Broken Dates compilation. Turkish synths, Jamaican Reggae, American brass, Bollywood vocals, Egyptian and Yemeni rhythms, and Chinese and Mongolian flutes all rendezvous in a corner of East Africa that for centuries served as the world's most brisk trading hub, the midway point connecting Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Ultimately, this is Somali music at it's sassy, soulful, synthesized best. Warmly restored and remastered from digitized master reels and cassettes. Double LP housed in a luxurious matte-finished gatefold sleeve with a poster inspired by the political banners of 1980s Djibouti and a hardcover bookcase CD with a 12-page booklet.
Release date:
March 26, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
White Reaper Only Slightly Empty
Blue Grape Music
September 26, 2025 -
Paul Di'Anno In Memory of
Metalville
July 11, 2025 -
Idil Biret Paris Recordings - 1949, 1953, 1959
Naxos
July 4, 2025 -
Jordan Lee Fighter For Love
Universal UK
July 11, 2025 -
Pinks The Reds & Purples The Past is a Garden I Never Fed (Neon Pink)
Fire Records
July 4, 2025 -
Dean Johnson I Hope We Can Still Be Friends (“So Much Better Now Blue”)
Saddle Creek
August 22, 2025 -
Seedbed Stalemate (Topaz Smoke)
Tiny Engines
July 25, 2025 -
Borracho Ouroboros
Ripple Music
August 8, 2025 -
La Dispute No One Was Driving the Car [2xLP]
Epitaph
September 5, 2025 -
Deey & Leo Iwamura Lovers
Hungry Records
July 4, 2025 -
Gruff Rhys Dim Probs
Rock Action Records
September 26, 2025 -
The Favors The Dream
Darkroom / Interscope
September 19, 2025 -
Winter Adult Romantix
Winspear
August 22, 2025 -
Simple Minds Once Upon A Time (Ruby Red)
A&M
October 17, 2025