Ahmed Ismail Yusuf’s Somali “Golden Era” Playlist

In his interview, Ahmed Ismail Yusuf shared some of his favorite singers and writers of Somali heeso and ballad songs in the “Golden Era” of Somali music. He curated this playlist so you can listen more.

“Resistencia” by Lady Xok

Rebekah Crisanta de Ybarra (aka Lady Xok) recorded this tune live in her living room during our interview. We’re delighted to get to share this pared-down version.

And here’s Lady Xok as a full band, performing as part of MN Original in the Wabasha Street Caves.

Bulgarian Martenitsa party in Saint Paul, MN

Slavka Slavtcheva told us about the big feelings that dancing Bulgarian traditional dance evokes for her, especially when she hears those dance songs here in Minnesota. Videographer Minju Kim attended the Bulgarian springtime festival party of Martenitsa in 2019 (when we could dance in person) in Saint Paul, and captured this delight.

Video by Minju Kim @theminjukim