Search - Maryam Mursal :: The Journey

The Journey
Maryam Mursal
The Journey
Genres: Dance & Electronic, International Music, Special Interest, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (8) - Disc #1

Many people have nothing to say in their music. But if, like Maryam Mursal, you'd grown up in a country as war-wrecked as Somalia, then spent seven months walking across the Horn of Africa, your songs might well be saying ...  more »

     
1

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Maryam Mursal
Title: The Journey
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Real World
Original Release Date: 1/1/2008
Re-Release Date: 10/7/2008
Genres: Dance & Electronic, International Music, Special Interest, Pop
Styles: Techno, Africa, Middle East, Islamic, Experimental Music
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 884108006924

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Many people have nothing to say in their music. But if, like Maryam Mursal, you'd grown up in a country as war-wrecked as Somalia, then spent seven months walking across the Horn of Africa, your songs might well be saying a great deal. The Journey stands as one of the great modern African albums, right up there with Baaba Mall and Salif Keita. Musically, it's grounded in the past, the traditions of her native country, but there's a pan-global sheen (courtesy of the very sympathetic Afro-Celt Sound System boys) that makes it instantly accessible; the exotic is there in every bite, but there's still enough familiarity that you don't quite feel you've wandered into totally foreign territory. Like Maal, Mursal is an electrifying singer. She sounds as if her entire life depends on this record, and maybe to her, it does. If a journey of a thousand miles begins with putting one foot in front of another, Maryam Mursal has started hers with a giant step. --Chris Nickson

Similar CDs


Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

A star is born
Marius Cipolla | 10/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ethno-snobs have complained that Mursal "isn't authentic enough." Let's be clear on one thing - Maryam Mursal is not attempting to make tribal music here. In any case, who has the right to tell an artist what music she should make? Or what instruments she should use? Maryam Mursal's voice is like a powerful cobra, coiling and uncoiling without effort in a sinuous dance that hypnotizes and enchants. She is also a mature songwriter with a consummate grasp of her medium. I am sure she is destined to join the ranks of great African stars like Souad Massi, Cesaria Evora, Angelique Kidjo, Baaba Mall and others who have been lucky enough to reach international audiences.



To imply that this music has nothing to say because it uses Western instruments is to insult the indomitable spirit and huge talent of this wonderful woman.



The producers, Peter Gabriel and ACSS have done a terrific job with this dazzling singer. This is an enormously enjoyable, wonderfully produced record which I recommend most highly to all listeners. If this isn't exotic enough for you, then you are welcome to come sit in the dust of Africa with us and see how you like it. But if you want magical, uplifting music with an international flavour, then try this!"
Very good
Hanifa Abdul Hakim | dublin Ireland | 11/11/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoyed this cd especially Somali Udiida Ceb. It's quite different from East African Taraab music but I love this style too. I don't know if it is too mixed and not authentic enough but I thought it was very good. It would have been nice to hear more authentic Somali music,if this wasn't but still it's beautiful & worth buying!I was wondering if someone could please translate the lyrics to Somali udiida ceb and Qax or at least give me a general idea of the lyrics!?! You see I know many Somalians but they are swahili speaking so they can't help and I'd be really interested to know. Jazakallahu. Assalamu alaikum."
Interesting!
Greg Allup | Torrance, California United States | 06/10/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a cultural geographer one of the things that I love doing is being able to listen to music from various countries. I came into contact with this album at a time when I was doing extensive research on Somali culture. It came to a surprise. I bought the album not knowing anything about the music or the singer herself. I just wanted to be able to listen to the Somali language and hear authentic Somali music.
The music took time for me to get used to. I have come to appreciate this album. It is very intresting and for someone that knows nothing of this unique culture, The Journey gives you a little taste of the sounds and culture of Somalia."