HEADLINES:

Globalization of Somali Music-Aar Maanta Talks with Africa Day with Arise TV's Juliette Foster

1
Thursday September 11, 2014 - 01:07:49 in Daily News by Investigative Journalist
  • Visits: 7786
  • (Rating 0.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 0
  • 0 0
  • Share via Social Media

    Globalization of Somali Music-Aar Maanta Talks with Africa Day with Arise TV's Juliette Foster

    Juliette Foster : Now, He's been described as exemplary individual for attempting to introduce the World to the beautiful sound of Somali Music. Aar Maanta's efforts have already won him a huge following that started getting even bigger whe

    Share on Twitter Share on facebook Share on Digg Share on Stumbleupon Share on Delicious Share on Google Plus

One of the best Somali Musicians, Aar Maanta
Juliette Foster : Now, He's been described as exemplary individual for attempting to introduce the World to the beautiful sound of Somali Music. Aar Maanta's efforts have already won him a huge following that started getting even bigger when he performs at October's Africa Day celebrations in London's Trafalgar Square.But Aar spent on music all his life , but his family given him their way, he might ended up as a scientist -Laugh, he joins at having us to the studio - right, Good morning to you? Which brought to science to your studying ?

Aar Maanta: I actually did Sport science , so mostly physiology,anatomy and things to do with the body.
Juliette Foster:  Right, you would have been in the World with Sports rather than music ?
Aar Maanta: Yeah, So  it wasn't as bad as being in a laboratory.
Juliette Foster:  Laugh, Some musicians feel fusion between science and music ,but I guess, it depends on which branch of science you study. 
Aar Maanta: Yeah, I mean em , It is quite, it is very, very different to musics ,you know, to what we are doing as sport scientist-learning about the anatomying, the hearten and how physiology and respiratory systems , you know, that kind of stuff, you know, is completely different . 
Juliette Foster: But it sounds , there is frames who pressure there, because there are so many musicians that may be minority background , when they want to be musicians, there is a lot of pressure from parents and who say, oh my gooch! that is not a proper job, so some of them drop out of it completely or they did so-called proper job for a while and then they went back to music. 
Aar Maanta: Initially ,I was doing a degree in a music after the first year, there was so many, I used to get  calls from some relatives that I  even haven't heard of forever. Asking me question like these : 
"I can't believe that you are wasting your degree on music it is your only chance now, you have to do something really beneficial for you, your community and your family.' You have to do something else that you will enjoy. How about just doing sport? how about something to do with sport such as sport scientist and go and learn physiology
and  I added that in the end and I managed to get a good degree and made my family members quite happy. But eventually, I had to come back to music because that where my passion was . 
Juliette Foster: Yeah, and you have always been surrounded by, you've going out with music even before performing music at for a long time.
Aar Maanta:  Somalis are known for the poetry and love music as well,which is quite strange , they actually love, before the war of the early 1990s, there were many bands that were really popular with my immediate family and  people loved to listen these songs,yet they don't want their children or family members being like part of musics so it is quite, a little bit contradiction. But I'm slowly winning over members of my family specially, my mother who I respect. 
Juliette Foster: It's fantastic ! But the thing is you've built up huge following ,people
 listen to your music not just Somalis but also other nationalities as well. But I mean, If you had to describe it, you've got purity of Somali tradition, but if there are also other elements you've managed to infuse on to this, what are they? 
Aar Maanta: With Somali singing , the songs have to be , you have to on, there is a time on it , the way of your writing  of Somali songs , if you begin a song with S then you have to continue starting with that, and still you have to rhyme, so I still follow that time on it tradition, but in terms of music I have so many influences most of live that I have liven in London, so musically wherever influences me around, in the UK , in the West , you know,I have been that element in to it but directly it's to stay in Somali tradition because if you try to introduce something else , people back in Horn of Africa or even the Somalis in the West they will not take it seriously.  
Juliette Foster: Yeah,who is your music written and performed for, is it largely for the Somali audience or do you want be global with it, to reach out to everybody?  
Aar Maanta:  Initially, it was mostly for Somali audience, but I took part this year Omar festival and that for a wider audience and the reaction was quite  positive so the music I was making before was more digital because that's what Somali audiences or most African audiences tempt to prefer, but em the wider audience or people who like African Music , who are not necessarily African , temp like a lot of music, so what I am trying to introduce my next project, I am actually ganna recording  a new album soon and that ganna be a life music so I want to try this, a wider audience. 
Juliette Foster: Corresponding  to your account, you  mentioned with warmer to perform in Minneapolis, I know you have very negative experience that you tried to tackle with your music, so what happened?
Aar Maanta: What happen was , Somali tempted to travel quite a lot because there is a big Somali community outside of Horn of Africa , so people are always traveling ,em visiting their families and so on. Because of that, they are targeted whatever reason, because of the security issues and I had a visa issued before where , we were accepted to go and performing in Minneapolis, but unfortunately,even though I was a band leader my visa was kind of like, refused. Even though the other bands of my members who are not Somalis were actually accepted, it's kind of like,it did make sense, in my point of view. But It's not just America , the issue was, it also the UK .Every time I used to come back, traveling wherever , even as , you know as closest as European destinations of UK. The border agencies of UK really, really interrogate me , sometimes keeping me. for like hours , you know, I am British citizen, it is quite strange, you actually treated like that. So it is one Video that you shown a little bit earlier ,where I really enacted exactly how it happen, what tempted to happen.
Juliette Foster: So, but suddenly it has been stacking music and hopefully people get the message what you doing also, get into this music because it is really quite  stunning as beautiful to listen to.
Aar Maanta:  Thank you.
Juliette Foster:   Sadly, time goes against us , but thank you for joining us and good luck and we looking  having for you on the Africa Day celebrations .
Aar Maanta: Thank you
Juliette Foster: Thank you
By Ahmed Abdi 
Share on Social Media

OSINT Report: Swiss-Registered VIP Charter Helicopter (HB-ZYI) Appears in Somaliland President Cirro's Facebook Post Amid Israel Travel Rumours

A Facebook photo posted by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) has triggered widespread speculation among Somalis online, with claims that the President is preparing for an overseas trip — including rumours linking the visit to Israel. Open-source aviation assessment of the aircraft visible in the image indicates the helicopter is Swiss-registered, bearing registration HB-ZYI, and identified as a Bell 429 (B429) — a type commonly used for VIP charter and private rental services. The photo appears to have been taken on an airport apron, consistent with charter helicopter operations. While Switzerland is strongly indicated through the aircraft registration prefix HB, the exact airport location cannot be confirmed from the posted image alone. Additionally, claims circulating online suggesting Cirro has entered security "wanted lists" remain unverified and unsupported by official documentation. Full Article

 

Somali Police Chief General Asad Diyaano Praised for Security Reforms and Close Coordination With President Hassan Sheikh

LAS ANOD, Somalia/Somaliland contested area — Somali Police Force Commander General Asad Diyaano has emerged as a nationally respected security figure, praised for professional leadership, discipline, and measurable reforms within the Somali Police Force, while also maintaining close operational coordination with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud amid heightened security challenges. Full Article

 

Qatar Hosts Somali Presidential Envoy as Mogadishu Cuts Cooperation With UAE

Somalia's political reorientation in the Gulf region is becoming increasingly visible, as Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a high-level meeting in Doha with Somali officials — just days after the Somali government announced it had terminated key security and cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Full Article

 

Somalia's Break with the UAE Signals a New Gulf Power Equation — and a High-Risk Reset

By Dahir Alasow | Waagacusub.net — Opinion / Analysis Mogadishu — The Federal Government of Somalia's decision to annul all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—including security and defence-related arrangements—represents one of the most consequential foreign-policy turns Somalia has taken in years. Full Article

 

Somalia Condemns Israeli Foreign Minister's Visit to Hargeisa as Violation of Sovereignty

The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. Full Article

 

Online Blackmail Escalates Within Somali Diaspora, Prompting Calls for Independent Digital Protection

Across Europe, North America, and other regions, Somali communities living in the diaspora are increasingly confronting a serious and troubling challenge: the widespread use of online blackmail and digital abuse targeting women and children on social media platforms. Full Article

 

Europe at a Crossroads: Elon Musk Backs Warning That the Continent "Faces Extinction" Without Migrants

A powerful debate erupted online today after tech billionaire Elon Musk publicly endorsed an opinion warning that Europe will "face its own extinction" if it fails to open its doors to migrants. The message, originally shared by Australian activist Drew Pavlou, referenced a strongly worded article by British columnist George Monbiot, who argues that demographic decline across the continent makes migration not only useful, but essential for Europe's survival. Full Article

 

Former Somali Finance Minister Allegedly Linked to Minnesota "Feeding Our Future" Case Through Property Acquisitions

A community report circulating among Somali residents in Minnesota has raised allegations suggesting that former Somali Finance Minister Abdirahman Duale Beileh may have indirect links to individuals involved in the "Feeding Our Future" fraud case, one of the largest federal financial investigations in the state's history. The allegations have not been confirmed by U.S. authorities, and no official charges have been filed against Beileh. Full Article

 

Turkey Announces 2026 as the First Official Oil Drilling Year in Somalia Amid Political Uncertainty

Waagacusub.net - Turkey has openly indicated that 2026 could become the historic year in which Somalia officially begins oil drilling and exploitation of its natural resources—a move that, if implemented, could fundamentally reshape the country's economic future. Full Article

 

Somalia Needs More Leaders Like Foreign Minister Abdisalam Dhaay

Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdisalam Omer Dhaay has quickly become one of the most promising and effective young diplomats to emerge in recent years. In a political landscape too often dominated by internal disputes and inconsistent foreign policy, Dhaay stands out for his professionalism, clarity, and modern diplomatic approach. Full Article

 

Leave a comment

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip


Somalia Condemns Israeli Foreign Minister's Visit to Hargeisa as Violation of Sovereignty

The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.

President Donald Trump Revokes Deportation Protections for Somalis in Minnesota, Sparking Tension and Fear

Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.

Netherlands Secure World Cup 2026 Spot in Style – Koeman Warns: "Victory Is Only the Beginning"

By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Sports Journalist Amsterdam – 18 November 2025 =The Dutch national football team is celebrating a historic achievement after officially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam on Monday night.

Ethiopia Strengthens Gulf Ties: Somali-Region Diplomat Jamal Bakar Named Ambassador to UAE

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Union for National Dignity: Inside Somalia's New Political Power Bloc Ahead of 2026 Elections

By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Mogadishu | Waagacusub.net | November 2025 A new political alliance is taking shape in Somalia as nine influential political figures — drawn from different parties, civic movements, and government backgrounds — have united under one banner known as the Union for National Dignity (Midowga Haybad Qaran). The coalition, announced through a joint press statement in Mogadishu, aims to create a unified political front capable of "restoring national cohesion, governance integrity, and public confidence in Somalia's democracy."

SOLDa Safety Network Investigation: Major Human Trafficking Network Operating in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia — An investigation by SOLDa Safety Network has uncovered a large-scale human smuggling network operating in Mogadishu, trafficking Somali youth through an organized system involving corrupt facilitators and international transit routes. According to SOLDa's findings, some senior Somali officials are allegedly linked to the trafficking network, having reached agreements with smuggling groups to enable the movement of victims and prevent arrests. Full Article

 

OSINT Report: Swiss-Registered VIP Charter Helicopter (HB-ZYI) Appears in Somaliland President Cirro's Facebook Post Amid Israel Travel Rumours

A Facebook photo posted by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) has triggered widespread speculation among Somalis online, with claims that the President is preparing for an overseas trip — including rumours linking the visit to Israel. Open-source aviation assessment of the aircraft visible in the image indicates the helicopter is Swiss-registered, bearing registration HB-ZYI, and identified as a Bell 429 (B429) — a type commonly used for VIP charter and private rental services. The photo appears to have been taken on an airport apron, consistent with charter helicopter operations. While Switzerland is strongly indicated through the aircraft registration prefix HB, the exact airport location cannot be confirmed from the posted image alone. Additionally, claims circulating online suggesting Cirro has entered security "wanted lists" remain unverified and unsupported by official documentation. Full Article

 

Somali Police Chief General Asad Diyaano Praised for Security Reforms and Close Coordination With President Hassan Sheikh

LAS ANOD, Somalia/Somaliland contested area — Somali Police Force Commander General Asad Diyaano has emerged as a nationally respected security figure, praised for professional leadership, discipline, and measurable reforms within the Somali Police Force, while also maintaining close operational coordination with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud amid heightened security challenges. Full Article

 

Qatar Hosts Somali Presidential Envoy as Mogadishu Cuts Cooperation With UAE

Somalia's political reorientation in the Gulf region is becoming increasingly visible, as Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a high-level meeting in Doha with Somali officials — just days after the Somali government announced it had terminated key security and cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Full Article

 

Somalia's Break with the UAE Signals a New Gulf Power Equation — and a High-Risk Reset

By Dahir Alasow | Waagacusub.net — Opinion / Analysis Mogadishu — The Federal Government of Somalia's decision to annul all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—including security and defence-related arrangements—represents one of the most consequential foreign-policy turns Somalia has taken in years. Full Article

 

Hormuud telecom and Al-Shabaab's Strategy of Destroying Mobile Communication Masts

Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article

 

Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership

Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article

 

PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS.

PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article

 

Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights

Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article

 

Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa

Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article