Aar Maanta

Aar Maanta

Aar Maanta is a Somali musician based in the UK. He moves from Somalia to Britain in the late 1980s because of the civil war, and grows up in a new country as a lone child. Music becomes a source of comfort, and he absorbs a wide range of styles including pop, rock, hip hop, R&B and house. He later develops an eclectic sound that combines these influences with traditional Somali music.

Career

His first notable performance is in July 2006 at Rise: London United, described as the UK’s largest multicultural festival. He performs there alongside Graham Coxon, Common, The Wailers, Buzzcocks, The Duke Spirit and Roy Ayers. He later works with a number of acts, including Algerian raï singer Abdelkader Saadoun, UK hip hop group Choong Family and Somali singer Maryam Mursal.

Recordings

Frustrated by the lack of modern original Somali music, he produces his own album of original songs. His debut album, Hiddo & Dhaqan, is released in 2009 and includes the tracks “Asalamu Alaykum”, “Saafi” and “Dhadhami”.

Reception

Young British Somalis describe him as “the voice of our generation”, reflecting the way his songs address issues faced by Somalis.