Aar's musical influences are varied. Growing up in Europe in the early 90's he was exposed to a diverse musical styles from Pop, Rock, House, RnB and Hip Hop. However, due to the continuing struggle in his motherland, Aar sought for music with spiritual meaning or with a political message. Aar has been fortunate enough to be born into a nation that has art or (Suugaan) as an integral part of their daily life. In going back to his roots Aar has also discovered the meaning of the inspirational work of great Somali artists such as Abdullahi Suldaan Timacade and Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan. These men used their art as a tool to fight oppression, division and to help the mental liberation of their people. Aar feels that there was a dream behind every one of the artists that he respects and gets inspiration from. The dream that drives Aar's work is to realise a united and a peaceful country/state that represents all Somalis equally. Aar's music is ultimately influenced by social and political issues relating to this matter.
Aar Maanta is a UK based Somali musician, described by young British Somalis as “the voice of our generation” because his music addresses issues resonating within the Somali community, with songs taking inspiration from the struggles of Somali people as well as the beauty of Somali culture.
Because of the civil war in Somalia, Aar has been living in the UK since the late eighties. Growing up as a lone child in a new country, Aar turned to music for comfort and healing at this early and painful period of his life, soaking up many styles including pop, rock, hip hop, RnB and house. The combination of these influences with Somali musical heritage gives Aar his unique artistic identity and sound.
Music became a passion for Aar at an early age; he started studying music at school and then at university. However, to his disappointment he wasn’t able to complete his degree and further his career at the time. Because of family pressure/disapprovals due to his Islamic faith, he was discouraged from following a career path in music and instead he completed a degree in Life Science instead.
Aar was always drawn back to his passion (music.) Shortly after completing his studies, Aar set up his own recording studio, Horn 2 Grove, and has worked with many diverse acts including Algerian Rai singer Abdelkader Saadoun and UK hip hop group Choong Family. However, he always loved his roots and felt compelled to help develop and push forward Somali music. Aar has since worked with many legendary Somali artists including Maryam Mursal and Ahmed Ismail Hussein (Hodeide) who is a master oud player and one of Somalia’s greatest composers.
Impressed by Aar's unique and fresh sound, Abdelkader Saadoun arranged for Aar's first festival performance. In July 2006 Aar played at Rise: London United the UK's largest anti-racist and multi-cultural festival along side Graham Coxon, Common, The Wailers, Buzzcocks, The Duke Spirit and jazz legend Roy Ayers. Over 80,000 young people and families attended this event, bringing together Londoners from all communities.
Frustrated by the lack of originality amongst current Somali artists and their unwillingness to modernize. Aar decided to produce his own album. In 2009 Aar Maanta’s eagerly awaited debut album Hiddo & Dhaqan was released to great acclaim, featuring popular tracks such as Asalamu Alaykum, Saafi, Mac Isii and Go’doomey. Hiddo & Dhaqan is a fresh and exciting album that pushes forward Somali music, whilst remembering its origins.
Aar’s musical approach, which blends the Somali sound with styles from all over the Horn of Africa, means that his music appeals to all Somalis from all regions. As a result, Aar Maanta is seen as a unifying figure at a time when there are a lot of divisions or discord.
Aar Maanta (twitter.com/aarmaanta)'s Friend Space (Top 8)
Aar Maanta (twitter.com/aarmaanta) has 5356 friends.
hey hommie droppign you some love on your page. You know im your biggest fan insha allah when u do show amma b there. I just wanna say thanks for your support, you and abdi for real
hey hommie droppign you some love on your page. You know im your biggest fan insha allah when u do show amma b there. I just wanna say thanks for your support, you and abdi for real
CLUB 650 THIS Friday, July 10th 2009 Where : 650 Clerence St. Los Angeles, CA 90023
First 60 girls in FREE / $10 before 9:50 / General Admission $15
Hosted by Justin from Baldwin Hills ( Follow him on twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/just10skywalker ) & Performance by Pleasure P & UFO ( Follow them on twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/UFOsBlaze & http://www.twitter.com/UFOsOwnArizzle )
3 Stages & 3 of LA's Best DJs DJ Vision DJ Goofy DJ Mustard
Early Arrival Suggested Strictly Armed Security +LAPD
LADIES SEXY IS A MUST! Dudes no hats, sportswear or baggy clothes.
it's the 49th anniversary and i just wanna say happy Somali Independance day to you and your whole fam the new year show was a killa enuff respect Salaam and Peace
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Hi dear Friend ;-) ,
it's me Jondo. I hope your doing right and I am glad to present you my new Album „Pure“.
It is an solo acustic album and in march it will be yours, won't it ? ;-)
On my upcoming Jondo Pure & Acustic Tour 2009 I will also perform my 10 brandnew songs. On this intimate acustic tour me the Rainbow Warrior aka Jah Gringo will be supported by my background musican and of course I will bring along a lot of energy
and good vibez.
So let's go „Good Girl“ call a friend & come a „Litlle Closer“ and walk „Ten Million Miles“ for my Concert....
All the best Peace & Bless Jondo
Peace Jondo
Online Now!
