A Somaliland artist will be performing in Ystradgynlais later this month.
Sahra Halgan, the iconic Somalilander musician and activist, is set to enchant The Welfare Ystradgynlais on August 31 at 8pm.
Ms Halgan, a native of Somaliland, an independent country within the Horn of Africa as of 1991, gained fame amid the 1980s conflict against Siad Barré's dictatorship in Somalia.
Her music offered a beacon of hope and perseverance, earning her the nickname "Halgan", or "fighter".
Today her songs, full of soul, grit and love, are woven into the fabric of Somaliland's heart.
In the aftermath of the conflict, she was exiled to France, where she formed her band with Aymeric Krol, Maël Salètes, and Régis Monte.
Their music, a blend of Afrobeat, Tuareg and Ethio-jazz, mirrors the core messages of Halgan's own work and has drawn attention across Europe and the Somali diaspora.
They've even made their mark on the esteemed Transmusicales de Rennes festival in 2019.
In 2013, Halgan made a return to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, where she founded 'Hiddo Dhawr', or 'Preserve Culture', a hub for live music and poetry events.
Her third album, also entitled 'Hiddo Dhawr', pulls from traditional Somali poetry, festal melodies, romantic ballads and political anthems, laced with a contemporary spin to create an unparalleled auditory journey.
Experiencing Halgan's heartfelt performance is an exclusive chance to delve into the tale of resilience, history, joy and sorrow that echoes through her music.
The Welfare Ystradgynlais extends an invitation to join in this musical celebration of Somali culture's resilience and beauty.
Tickets are available for purchase on the venue's website, in person, or via telephone at 01639 843163.
The Welfare offers a 'pay what you can' pricing method as part of its commitment to accessibility, which allows audiences to select a cost that fits within their budget without needing to provide any proof of concession.
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