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BioDur-Dur Band International is the UK-based revival of Somalia’s beloved 1980s funk-disco-soul group, (Dur-Dur band) originally formed in 1984 by keyboardist Isse Dahir Qassim and bassist Abdillahi Ujeeri. Named after the Somali word for “spring,” the band was known for fusing dhaanto rhythms with psychedelic rock, disco, Bollywood flair, and Afrobeat. Their mission was to globalise Somali music, making them one of the most popular bands in Mogadishu before disbanding in the early 1990s due to the civil war.
Years later, surviving members from bands like Dur-Dur and Iftin reunited, leading to a 2011 show in Southall, London. Their comeback sparked renewed interest in Somali music, with reissues and Grammy-nominated compilations following. Tours across Europe brought them acclaim until COVID-19 halted their momentum. After several setbacks and retirements, 2023’s "The Berlin Sessions" marked their return. Today, the band serves as a platform for young Somali musicians, carrying forward Dur-Dur’s musical legacy.
DiscographyThe Berlin Session2023 • AlbumTracks: 8 Dur Dur of Somalia- Vol.1, Vol.2[African Analog No.27]2018 • AlbumTracks: 18 Volume 52013 • AlbumTracks: 11 