In a vibrant rehearsal space nestled in Minneapolis, an ensemble of Somali musicians gathers to breathe life into melodies reminiscent of Mogadishu’s café culture. Their sound, steeped in emotion and rhythm, carries echoes of the past—a genre affectionately termed "Somali blues." Led by Ahmed Ismail Yusuf, this group, known as Araa, is preparing for an upcoming concert titled "Meet You at the Cross Roads." Co-produced by the University of St. Thomas’ Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies and the Cultural Fluency Initiative, the event aims to intertwine Somali blues with songs inspired by Black gospel music. David Jordan Harris, curator of the concert, envisions it as a celebration of urban diversity, fostering mutual understanding through shared musical traditions.

At the heart of this project lies the desire to connect disparate cultural threads through melody and harmony. The concept originated from earlier collaborations between Harris and Beck Lee, who successfully juxtaposed Sephardic and Somali music in a previous experiment. This time, Yusuf leads the Somali segment while JD Steele, renowned for his extensive performing arts career and association with the famed family band The Steeles, brings the soulful repertoire. Together, they aim to create something entirely new—a song that will debut at the concert performed by the MacPhail Community Youth Choir under Steele's direction.

Rehearsals have been both challenging and rewarding, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn from each other. For Yusuf, this collaboration marks a return to a cherished tradition long absent since his days in Somalia. He expresses admiration for Steele’s adept guidance of the choir, noting the masterful touch evident in their work together. Meanwhile, Steele shares his enthusiasm for cross-cultural projects, emphasizing their potential to inspire and uplift communities burdened by current societal challenges.

As the concerts draw near—one scheduled for April 6 at the University of St. Thomas, kicking off the school’s Culture of Encounter Ideas Festival, and another on April 27 at St. John’s University in Collegeville—the artists involved are united by a singular vision. They hope to leave audiences not merely entertained but genuinely moved, filled with renewed hope and inspiration. Through their combined talents, these musicians strive to bridge cultural divides, reminding us all of the universal language of music.

Audiences can expect more than just a performance; they will witness a profound cultural exchange where Somali blues and Black gospel harmoniously converge. As artists like Yusuf and Steele take center stage, they invite listeners to explore the rich tapestry of human experience woven through sound. By blending diverse musical heritages, they underscore the power of art to transcend boundaries and foster unity.