Sahra Halgan

"Uplifting yet reverent, it is music filled with soul and courage and love. Her music encapsulates the hope and strength of her community and has become deeply embedded in the heart of Somaliland"

For enquiries about this artist, please contact Stewart on - stewart@smugglersagency.com

Sahra Halgan is an artist from Somaliland, a country in the Horn of Africa that has been independent since 1991, but as yet unrecognised by the international community. She earned the name 'Halgan' - The Fighter - in the 1980's when she was involved in the terrible war against the dictatorship. This afforded her admiration - but it is her music that has made her an icon. Uplifting yet reverent, it is music filled with soul and courage and love. Her music encapsulates the hope and strength of her community and has become deeply embedded in the heart of Somaliland.

Exiled to France, she started her group in Lyon with Aymeric Krol, Maël Salètes and Régis Monte. This ensemble gave the principles behind the music embodiment, allowing it to move people through their bodies - in other words it's music to dance to, with nods to afrobeat, tuareg and ethio-jazz. Her third album is the fruit of a search to elevate this important voice, expand it's sonic landscape and share it with a wider audience. It's called ‘Hiddo Dhawr’ (‘Preserve Culture’), which is also the name of the cultural centre that Sahra founded in 2013 in Hargeisa

“With 'Waa Dardaaran', they hit a groove that combined the snaking guitar lines of Tinariwen with an undeniably punk-like energy. Halgan, meanwhile, dominates any stage with the grace required of a daughter of a country that prides itself on its poetry.”

Readly - MOJO RISING
“Don’t expect delicately-picked ouds accompanied by stately sung poetry, or even the swinging, modal funk of Somali groups like Dur Dur Band. Instead, think big, ballsy, distorted guitar riffs that build and repeat hypnotically, backed by a rocking backbeat and punctuated by call-and response choruses.”

Roots World - Tom Pryor
“‘I think when you sing, you live’ Halgan’s tenacity on stage and her courage to speak her mind off it have made her a superstar in Somaliland - a country where thousands are suffering from drought and famine.”

CNN - Chris Giles

Sahra Halgan

“With 'Waa Dardaaran', they hit a groove that combined the snaking guitar lines of Tinariwen with an undeniably punk-like energy. Halgan, meanwhile, dominates any stage with the grace required of a daughter of a country that prides itself on its poetry.”

“‘I think when you sing, you live’ Halgan’s tenacity on stage and her courage to speak her mind off it have made her a superstar in Somaliland - a country where thousands are suffering from drought and famine.”