Somalia Nightlife: Night entertainment returns to Mogadishu amid newly-found stability

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Night-time entertainment is returning to the Somali capital Mogadishu. For the first time in decades, residents of the war-weary city are, once again, beginning to gather for fun after dark. CGTN's Abdulaziz Billow went to a concert to see how young people are enjoying the newly-found stability.

Shortly after sundown, young people gather to share food and drinks at this popular restaurant in Mogadishu as recent stability has seen an increase in the number of privately owned businesses like Pizza House - that has become increasingly popular among young people.

Musicians and upcoming artists also entertain patrons at least once a week at this live music session - reminiscing the good old days with songs from the past.

In recent months, entertainment spots like this have become a major attraction in a capital often a scene of deadly confrontation between government forces and insurgents. Young people are however determined to change this by reclaiming Mogadishu's lost glory through the revival of arts and music.

MUNA MISKI MUSIC ARTIST "Night entrainment has changed a lot - before people remained indoors because of fear and uncertainty. Somalia has turned over a new leaf. Personally, I wasn't born or brought up here but I moved here and enjoying the newfound peace with my fellow countrymen and women."

Born in Yemen - Muna Miski and her family recently relocated to Somalia as conflict rages on in the Arab country - back in Somalia, a country she barely knows, the young female artist has made it her personal mission to revive musical memories. Locals also have a chance to take part in a karaoke session as part of entrainment aimed at increasing unity and integration among young people.

ABDULAZIZ BILLOW MOGADISHU, SOMALIA "When the sun sets, this city takes on another life, with various hotels providing live night music entertainment for their audience - the artists mostly play old school music from the past."

MUNA MISKI MUSICIAN "Many people prefer traditional instruments and its way of music - old schools music is played in a cool and slow tempo unlike modern music - it also reminds people of the good old days."

Abbas Mohamed, is an upcoming artist and performed a classic hit from the early seventy's - he says young people need spots like this to showcase their skills.

ABBAS MOHAMED DAYIB MUSICIAN "Modern music has lost taste in recent years - however old music has good taste, carries powerful messages. Places like this encourage upcoming artists and love for old generation music - it can also help young people learn and appreciate their culture."

And with the absence of a national theater - restaurants and hotels continue to provide venues that revive the country's musical culture - meanwhile, the government is now renovating major landmarks including the theater in Mogadishu through a national recovery plan - once completed, Muna and her band hope to entertain fans there. AB, CGTN, MOG - SOM.