I went to the most amazing concert in Khartoum. I never thought I would go to a live pop music concert here but I did. It was featuring a very popular female singing group- Al Balabil. They are sisters that have been singing since the were teens and as they are well into adult hood now it was a rare occurrence for them to be together and perform. According to some Sudanese I met they have not performed together for 6 or 7 years. There songs are well known and popular like the Jackson 5 songs are in the state. Actually two of the sisters now live in the states and perfom at there but they are not usually all together like they were this weekend.
Over 2000 people were crowed into an outdoor theatre. Everyone was nice and laid back and there were folks walking around selling fresh juices, popcorn and nuts. I went with some of the teachers and some Sudanese folks as well. It was nice to go with some local people because they could help translate some of the songs. Some of the most popular song had lyrics of:
" If you ask for dirctions, you will never get lost"
" When you come onto the street everything lights up. When you enter the house, everything lights up...etc etc.
And the biggest hit of the evening..the one the crowd was screaming for them to perform was a song that was popular when they were teenagers: " My Mango is an orange color"
Of course my translations are not as beautiful as the songs are in Arabic and Nubian language.
The concert hall was electric. People were singing along, clapping, snapping thier fingers towards the singers (a sign of much respect) and even getting up to dance. I got up a few times myslef! It was great!!! Dancing outside to live music with thousands of Sudanese.
You know that they were real celeberties because in the city for any wedding or party it must stop at 11pm promptly. Well Al Balabil got to play until 11:20!!
It was such a great experience. I hope the video downloads so you can experience a little of how it was.
(Al Balabil- is a bird that has a very nice voice)
2 comments:
first a movie theatre, and now a concert that extends beyond 11 PM! what a cool experience.
This looks amazing! Sorry I haven't written more often. Life has been crazy with the interviewing and new job, etc.
I am going to try to listen to some of this!
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