Dur Dur Band - Dur-Dur Volume 3 & 4 (1988–1989) Dur Dur Band

In the 1980s, Mogadishu was home to one of East Africa's most vibrant music scenes, where Somali melodies met funk, disco, reggae, soul and jazz. At its centre was Dur-Dur Band, founded by drummer Adan Handal and childhood friend Isse Dahir Qassim.

By 1984, Dur-Dur had become the house band at the legendary Jubba Hotel, developing an explosive live sound that was both deeply local and remarkably modern. While their early cassette releases, Volumes 1 and 2, spread across Somalia, Volumes 3 and 4 marked the band's creative peak.

Recorded during a time of personal tragedy and growing national crisis, the albums captured Dur-Dur pushing musical boundaries. Following the departure of singer Shimaali Ahmed Shimaali and founding bandleader Isse Dahir Qassim's tragic death, Adan Handal guided the band into new sonic territory. Volume 4 became one of their most adventurous recordings, combining electronic percussion, unusual drum textures and reggae-inspired grooves with the unmistakable spirit of Somali music. Today, Dur-Dur's music stands as proof of a creativity that survived war, displacement and decades of silence.

140g Virgin Vinyl double LP comes in a Gatefold Cover full of pictures and liner notes.