CHAPTER 6
Staging Love
“The aura of the place, the culture, the huts, the art side of it, the traditional artifacts displayed there and . . . when you play that music. . . . Actually, it’s freedom. [You] can let it go. Let it loose. Nobody will judge you, you can sing your own song, you can be yourself.”
This chapter is about the politics and poetics of staging
love in contemporary Hargeysa. It tells the story of the 2014 opening Hiddo
Dhawr—the first music venue to operate in Somaliland in over a quarter
century—documenting how the venue’s mission of “heritage preservation,”
alongside its commitment to the live performance of love songs, opens space for
unique forms of intimacy.
On this page you will find images and videos from the venue,
as well as further information about Sahra Halgan, the venue’s principal singer
and founder.
This podcast, recorded during Christina Woolner’s doctoral fieldwork, documents the story of Hiddo Dhawr’s founding and early years of operation. It features Sahra Halgan discussing her decision to return to Somaliland to open Hiddo Dhawr, the venue’s exclusive focus on love songs, alongside various patrons’ reflecting on the significance of the venue.
Page / 176-182
From Vision to Venue
Sahra Halgan’s albums Faransiskiyo Somaliland includes a documentary about her return to Somaliland, featuring her rendition of the song ‘Hoabaa Layoow Heede’, with lyrics celebrating different areas of Somaliland.
Sahra Halgan Trio
Listen to the Sahra Halgan Trio’s albums here
News coverage of Hiddo Dhawr’s opening
Click the images for full report
Page / 182-189
“Taking Care of Heritage” in Contested Urban Terrain
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Performing Love, Enacting Intimacy
Sahra Halgan, Cabdinaasir Macallin Caydiid and other musicians perform in Maxamed Mooge hall. Watch from 8:38 to get a sense of the atmosphere when the audience decides to join in.
Cabdinaasir Macallinc Caydiid “lets it loose” during a performance evening