Sahra Halgan

Sahra Halgan is a remarkable singer, cultural force, and storyteller whose music carries the soul of Somaliland — a self-declared nation in the Horn of Africa with a rich culture and history that often goes unrecognized in the west. Sahra began singing as a teenager despite cultural pressure against women performing publicly. During the brutal conflict of the late 1980s she earned the nickname “Halgan,” meaning “the fighter,” by singing to comfort and inspire fighters and civilians alike.

Living in exile as a political refugee in Lyon, France, Sahra returned to music with a trio that blends her deep Somali vocal traditions with electric guitars, hypnotic percussion, and influences from rock, Afrobeat, and North African rhythms. They created a vibrant fusion that pulses with ancient poetry and modern energy under a vocal delivery drawing on Arabic song and Ethiopian lilt.

Her music celebrates love, resilience, identity, and the dignity of her people — with danceable grooves, trance-like riffs, and Sahra’s intensely expressive voice at the centre.

In her home city of Hargeisa, Sahra founded Hiddo Dhowr, a live music and arts venue. In Somali, “Hiddo Dhowr” means “Preserve the Culture,” a fitting name for this cultural hub where Somali music and artistic expression can thrive after years of conflict and suppression. Hiddo Dhowr is also the name of her record label and latest recording.

Whether you’re drawn to heartfelt vocals, cross-cultural sounds, or music that speaks to hope and cultural pride, seeing Sahra Halgan live is an unforgettable experience — a powerful blend of history, rhythm, and joy. -ND

FRIDAY 9:30-10:45pm Main Stage