“The people of Somalia just do not have a voice….They are to me the most forgotten people in the world.” ~ K’Naan
In ancient times Somalia was a land of riches, the main suppliers of frankincense, myrrh and spices, highly valuable trade in those days. Today Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world after decades of civil war, warlords, poverty, and international neglect. After my post on Haiti, I became really interested in the countries listed on the US Department of State’s travel warning website. I felt strongly that I must be a voice that highlights the beauty, strength and culture via music of these countries to be a counterpoint to the mainstream media coverage that mainly focuses on violence, terrorism, and wretched misery. This will be my first of many future posts exploring the music of the countries on the travel warning list. May we not forget our brothers and sisters living in these lands who need our support and love.
K’Naan is a Somali born (now living in Canada) rapper from the capital city of Mogadishu, dubbed “the most dangerous city on earth” or as he calls it “the meanest streets in the universe.” I have to give a shout out to my brother Troy for introducing me to this extraordinary voice. K’Naan’s second album, Troubadour, came out last year with major label distribution and to critical acclaim. His first album’s title is poetry to my ear, The Dusty Foot Philosopher. I love that. K’Naan’s music features traditional and roots oriented sounds, whether its his use of poetry, traditional instrumentation, rapping in the Somalian language, or incorporating various African styles including Ethiopian jazz.
“America” off of Troubadour features K’Naan rapping in Somalian and Ethio-jazz influences:
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