The Secret Somali Mixtapes

Embark on a captivating 29-minute audio journey exploring the preservation of Somali musical heritage during the 1988 exodus from Hargeisa. Discover the story of radio station staff who risked everything to safeguard cassettes and reel-to-reel recordings in a secret underground bunker. Learn about the historical context surrounding this cultural rescue mission and its significance to Somali identity. Delve into the rediscovery of these hidden musical treasures and their impact on contemporary Somali culture. Listen to a curated playlist featuring songs from the episode, offering a unique auditory experience of Somalia's rich musical tradition. Produced in collaboration with Kerning Cultures, this podcast episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the power of music to preserve cultural memory and identity in times of conflict.

The Secret Somali Mixtapes | Far Flung with Saleem Reshamwala | TED Audio Collective