Maryam Mursal shares Somali culture through stories and music
by Mark Wheat
November 14, 2015
Maryam Mursal was a rising star in her native Somalia before civil war forced her to leave her homeland and find sanctuary in Denmark. Although she currently lives in the U.K., Mursal plans to return to live in the nation that welcomed her. "I will never forget Denmark," she says. "I'm black Danish."
Mursal has not forgotten Somalia, either. In town as part of a residency at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, Mursal and her band stopped by The Current's studio for a session hosted by Mark Wheat.
Mursal's residency is part of an ongoing program at the Cedar called Midnimo. According to Mohamed Samatar, a development assistant at the Cedar, "Midnimo" means "Unity" in the Somali language. "It's a program reviving Somali culture and music," he explains. "The way we do that is bring Somali icons to come and do week-long residencies that incorporate educational programs, public workshops and a final performance."
Samatar says Mursal's workshop with 40 Somali women from Minneapolis was particularly successful. "They shared stories with her and she shared her story with them," Samatar says. "It was a powerful experience for [all] of them because they never heard her side of the story and, being refugees, it brought back a lot of memories."
The residency concludes with a live concert by Mursal, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m., at The Cedar Cultural Center, with openers New Sound Underground. Mursal is looking forward to sharing her music with Somali youth who may never have seen her perform.
Audiences can expect a performance that features Somali sounds as well as numerous Western influences; Mursal cites Ray Charles, Etta James, Elvis Presley and Bob Marley among the Western artists who inspired her, although her favorite may be Peter Gabriel. Mursal credits Gabriel for getting her signed to Real World Records.
"Peter Gabriel is someone who is dear to her heart," Samatar interprets on behalf of Mursal, "and is the most kind human she has met."
Songs Performed
"Lei Lei" (I Feel Alone)
"Waaw"
"Sodewou" (Welcome)
All songs from Maryam Mursal's 1998 album, The Journey, available on Real World Records.
Hosted by Mark Wheat
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Web feature by Luke Taylor
