Dec 7/04
Apolitical Sudan
I watched a movie set in Sudan last night. And in case you haven’t noticed there have been a few problems there lately – phrases like “world’s worst humanitarian crisis”, “one of the world’s worst places to live or work”, or “Africa’s famine and civil war capital” might come to mind. Over the past 20 years, anywhere between 2 and 8 million people have died as a direct result of civil war, famine and ethnic violence in Sudan.
Despite continued civil strife, religious tension between Christians, Muslims and pagans, ethnic fighting between Arabs and blacks, and several Islamist authoritarian regimes, Sudan does have a few things going for it. It’s not as absolutely hopeless as people outside of Africa tend to say it is. Its economy is actually quite strong compared to most West African nations. Its population is relatively educated, too, and the culture is well-developed. Its AIDS-rate is quite low by African standards. Sudan is also (blessed?) with oil and other major natural resources. While its economy remains based mainly in traditional agriculture, it’s actually growing these days – unlike so many other African nations.
I only say all this because back in Canada and the US the only images that we seem to get out of Sudan are Islamic extermists or Sally Struthers holding a half-dead baby with flies in its eyes. Yes, Sudan has some major troubles including genocide in the Darfur region and an on-going civil war, but it’s still Africa’s largest country and, like almost everywhere else on this continent, a vibrant, interesting place.
With this in mind I’m going to post some Abdel Gadir Salim today. Probably Sudan’s most famous musician outside of the country, Salim sings about the good stuff in life like love. He also incorporates both African and Arabic sounds into his music – just the kind of unity his country so desperately needs.
Abdel Gadir Salim All-Stars – Alhagi
Abdel Gadir Salim All-Stars – Mal Wa Ihtagab
What a well written commentary…The music is incredible, and i definitely appreciate the thoughtful commentary.
-the newest fan
As my sister is currently out in Sudan, doing aid work in the Red Sea district, I was immediately drawn to these selections. Never knowingly having heard any Sudanese music before, this is something of a revelation: stunning stuff.
herein lies one of Music’s greatest, most pervasive, unifying features: its ability to debunk stereotypes and mental models. Listening from Canada, despite all of the issues in Sudan, i feel like(beyond the flies and showing ribs) we are one and the same in essence.. I feel images sometimes do the contrary, and highlight differneces rather than the similarities musci brings out in people..
Great! I especially love the Alhagi track which reminds me of El Mouberek? an egyptian band i once had the priveledge to hear when they played at the Queen Elizabeth hall many years ago.
[...] I’ve written before about Abdel Gadir Salim, specifically about how he’s a Sudanesian who sings about the good thing in life, contradicting the generally sad stereotype of Sudan. His wonderful oud playing could make the meanest rebel smile. Indeed, he’s a political figure despite his apolitical lyrics who helps to bridge the Christian/Muslim divide in his country by promoting peace. [...]
[...] a fair bit of Sudanese music on Benn loxo with posts on the lovely Rasha, Setona and of course Abdel Gadir Salim. Today we’ll hear another talented musician, Abdel Karim el [...]