Post videos, stories and images of Somalia's bands and musicians. This is also the place to discuss Somali artists that have found success on a global scale.

http://images.publicradio.org/content/2009/04/10/20090410_somalicds_33.jpg

The Light & Sound of Mogadishu
http://blogs.voanews.com/african-music-treasures/files/old_images/pd_africangblog_magool.jpg
Blue and White, the colors of the Somali flag, Blue and White, the colors of Mogadishu. This city, that over the last seventeen years has become a symbol of anarchy and suffering, was once one of East Africa’s most appealing capitals. Friends and colleagues who lived in Mogadishu in the early 1970s remember a city of whitewashed corral houses, with Arabic arches and elaborately carved rosettes, of Italian art-deco cafes and colonial administrative buildings, a city of tree shaded boulevards, and the cobalt blue of the Indian Ocean. They remember a city where young women in miniskirts strolled alongside older women in colorful and billowing Direh, where young dudes grew Afros and strutted, in bell bottoms, past groups of men in ma’awis kilts and white skullcaps. Today, living far from Mogadishu, these friends and colleagues feed their memories with a steady diet of thirty-year old recordings by their favorite poets and singers from ‘back home’.

These rich memories, and reveries, of the early 1970s are captured in this set of 45s on the ‘Light & Sound’ label from Mogadishu. The label was an offshoot of the successful ‘Light & Sound’ electronic appliance store located in the center of the city. The store, which shared a building with the famous ‘Cinema Hamar’ (which was the first enclosed movie theater in Mogadishu), and the label, were both owned by Dahir Omar. The recording studio was located in a back room off the main sales floor, and may have been the first private recording studio in Somalia (at the time most recordings were made in the studios of Radio Mogadishu or Radio Hargeysa). Today, both the store and the ‘Cinema Hamar’ are closed. I do not know how many singles were released on ‘Light & Sound’ (I have not yet been able to track down Dahir Omar, or anyone who worked at the store), but the 45s below represent some of Somalia’s most loved artists. - Source (http://blogs.voanews.com/african-music-treasures/2008/05/20/the-light-sound-of-mogadishu/)

http://blog.somali-music.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Somalia-Sings-Back-1011x1024.jpg

We are very fortunate to have received a unique historical recording, the LP Somalia Sings Songs of the New Era (Radio Mogadishu SBSLP-100) issued in 1972 in the first flush of Somalia’s “Scientific Socialist Revolution”. We are grateful for Abdijabar Mohammed sending us this rare gem! The artists that you will here in the following were all members of Waaberi, the house-band of the Ministry of Information and National Guidance.

Soomalida Manta - Waaberi ArtistsThese are the first words of the song: ‘A Revolution dawned in Somalia today – October 21st – and is taking gigantic strides toward progress every year, every day, every hour and every wink.’ This song, composed by the talented composer Mohamoud Abdillahi Sangub, marks the international cause of the Revolution in Somalia as can be observed in the first few words. It also emphasizes Somalia’s call for equality for the whole of mankind without arrogance and domination by some over others, for the elimination of colonialism; for international effort toward such elimination and for the execution of the human principles asserting the right of self-determination of various peoples in every part of the world.

Aynaanka Hay - Abdi Muhumud Amin & Waaberi Artists This song is one of the highly valued and widely spread songs of the New Era composed by the nationalist artist, Abdi Muhumud and sung by himself with the help of the Waaberi chorus. This widely admired song which met international recognition of many artists from friendly countries is dedicated to the beloved leader and Father of the Nation, Jaalle Maj. Mohamed Siad Barre. Its main theme goes: ‘The right path you have shown us; Our beloved leader march on; Our triumphant cause be its maintainer; Towards ultimate victory lead us ever.

Gobanimo - Mohamed Suleiman & Hibo MohamedThe composer of this number, Hussein Aw Farah, is one of the outstanding Revolutionary and patriotic songs composers in the Somali Democratic Republic. In this song he points out the reason why the Armed Forces, with the overwhelming support of the Somali people, took over the power from the corrupt civilian regimes who misruled the country for nine years. He explains that our sovereignty was in danger of total collapse, but the Armed Forces are now ready to defend it at the cost of their lives.

Ha Iilan - Ahmed Ali Egal & Waaberi ArtistsThis is one of the numerous Revolutionary songs aimed at encouraging the Father of the Nation, Jaalle Maj. General Mohamed Siad Barre, to hold high the banner of the blessed Revolution and to fight against colonialism and all its traces. The composer Abdi M. Amin, who has been honoured for his Revolutionary thoughts, again puts more emphasis in his words which goes: “Forward ever, Backward Never!

Midab Gumeysi Diida - Waaberi Artists with Abdi Ali Baalwan & DaleisThis song was composed by Mohamoud Abdillahi Singub & sung by Waaberi Artists with Abdi Ali Baalwan & Daleis in the leading role. the composer calls the African leaders to be united against the evils of colonialism, imperialism and Apartheid. The first words of this song point out why colonialism finds its way in Africa. ‘Without strong bulwark, Ian Smith would have not dared to snatch off Rhodesia, nor Portugal tried to stay in Angola and Mozambique and to perpetuate genocide against African people, not the memory of the invisible knives to kill the freedom of Guinea in the dark faded away yet. We are also aware of the plight of Africans in South Africa. - Source (http://blog.somali-music.com/2010/10/somalia-sings-songs-of-the-new-era/)

http://blog.somali-music.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Somalia-Sings-1010x1024.jpg

I admit I don't listen to Somali music often but now this is a Hees Wadani.

3afwlEgAlX4

ygA6AfRcze4

kziF-oArGZs&feature=related

http://i41.************/p3ns9.jpg
More From the Ministry of Information and National Guidance

Our good friend Sanaag comes through once again with Famous Songs: Hits of the New Era (Radio Mogadishu SBSLP-102, 1973), Volume Three in the series that began with Somalia Sings Songs of the New Era, one of Likembe's most popular recent posts.

These records were issued under the aegis of the Somali Ministry of Information and National Guidance to rally support for the military government of Mohammad Siad Barre, which in the early '70s had "socialist" pretensions. For all their propagandistic aspects, it would be a mistake to dismiss their musical qualities. Waaberi, the Somali super-group featured on Somalia Sings and Famous Songs, pre-dated the 1969 military coup and was a training ground for many great singers, including Xaliimo Khaliif Magool, Maryam Mursal and Sahra Axmed. - Source (http://likembe.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/more-from-ministry-of-information-and.html).

-mV8PKKy2Pk

Faadumo Qaasim
nMYb8Qn8ye8

21kCyR1LFfc

QFWjbQGhglk

ye0Bc7I8LKQ
:dj:

great stuff guys,keep it coming.

-mV8PKKy2Pk


Good old days.

did Kooxdaa wabeeri sang that song as the opening act of all their shows?

^ I'm not sure Qalanjo :dunno:

anyone know where i can get Qaraami music to download

^ I'm not sure Qalanjo :dunno:

I think they had. It was their trademark.

uHu7-3U5Ir0

LGy3WMkybgs

AAR MAANTA - One of the best new generation Somali musicians:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395511_10150576585889393_479256605_n.jpg
Performing for a group of children.

LANPy1RbHBM

EKYjr6mzQ2Q

KDpxlHMKMD0

0DTDGVX-jZ4

The golden age for Somali music was during the 70's and 80's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njk2DFmnojQ
Teesiyoow iyo heesti Gabareey[Af-Maay].

I've been trying to get the full lyrics of the song "Geesigii Dhulkiisa" together but have been unable to do so. Yaa ii sheegi kara micnaha ereyada aan madooweeyay (bold), iyo ereyada ka maqan. Mahadsanid.

Godatada (?) dhulkeenoow
Habeenkay gilgilatee
Gudidii hishiisee
Gole' atoorada sare'
Taladay ku gooyeen
Ama geeri aakhiro
Ama guusha nololeed
Waxii u geeyay
Gabaryahay bal iisheeg

Markay ay godeen
Ay gaajada la hoyatee
Godol (?) qaadi waydee
Guusha looga darayee
Gobananimo u ooyday
Ilmo gabax ka siisay
Hubka so gurteenow
Ciilkii gaboobiyo
Caradii u gaysoo
Cadawgii qabteenee

Geeesiga dhulkiisa
Guusha u horseedaa
Geerida dishaa
Geedkaa haboo

Ugab (?) qaaratada
Gumeysiga ku dhuunte'
Galabsada xumaanta
.... ..... ?
Gobonimada waa loo go' aa
Godka aakhiriyo,
Iilkaa loo galaa
... .... ..... ?

Godatada (?) dhulkeenoow
Habeenkay gilgilatee
Gomdihii dhurwaagiyo
Gurdankii fardahiyoo
Gurxankii shabeelkiyoo
Gaadmadii libaaxiyo
Gacan maroodii yeesheen
Wixii u geeyay
Guuleed bal ii sheeg.

Markii ay gabnowdee
Gafanuhu ku naaxee
Gaabada ku yaale'
Gabaraydu cunayse'
Gobananimo u ooyday
Ilmo gabax ka siisay
Hubka so gurteenow
Ciilkii gaboobiyo
Cadhadii u gaysoo
Cadawgii qabteenee

Great song and great pictures :)

Inaan kuu adeegoo,
Cadow kaa ilaashoo,
Aayahaa ka tilayaan,
Axdi kuugu marayaa,
Ariligaygow!

Midka se' kaa ordee kaa abaal dhacee,
Adoonsiga la jira soo ma oga, horto soo ma oga:

Anfacaagii inuu cunay soo ma oga,
Biyahaa ku oonbaxay soo ma oga,
Abaal/Amaah ku leedahay soo ma oga,

Ablooga hadh inaad tahay soo ma oga,
Dhaxal awoowe inaad tahay soo ma oga,
Isagu inuu ku leeyahay soo ma oga!

wgmoX4M0xqI

Udubkiyo dhigihiyo aloolka iyo raarkaba,
aqalkaan ka helayoo,
Haddaan debedda aadoo,
Ajashu ii timaadoo,
kii la ii soo ambinayee,
iilkay ku yiiloow,
Arligaygow.

Inaan ku ogolaadoo,
Aduunyada intaan jiroo,
waajib kaaga oofshaan,
axdi kuugu marayaa,
Arligaygow.

Haybad waxaad ku leedahay dhulkaaga hooyo.

6HZ5B3WbGTk

0KCEbtRZE2o

-jSyJyjcJS4

Vzsmb_v-qHQ

Golden Oldie
oDbxw_Fz-_w

EJFogmautGg

hWnOt1UTB6E

jWY7NDPJ8UY

Ku1E8JKuMPs

0DTDGVX-jZ4

bSyORLDWYFY

dTLzBa1W2pQ

Somalis got gorgeous music! Something different, but at the same time that near to heart :)

Somalis got gorgeous music! Something different, but at the same time that near to heart :)

Liels paldies! our Latvian friend :)

ToFanXhgigk

Mxp_Qre-viU

s0RcBrluIqM&feature=related

B3UUKucqc8k

PLCHx6Cc3SU

fGUpkNDDtMY

Throwbacks, thanks for them!

zG-EfZFlmlE

QlADa_DL2l4&feature=related

fnd8YhjQB6M&feature=related

rfQa9YydP84

SjGuXOUqtBI

Big Tune :dance:

zclMR2pjFsY

^^ Response by Ikran Caraale.

z0GhiVFeXOo

Duniya Axmed Baraxaw

Calaacal song lol :laugh:

PioktShL64E

Old old school Somali Song.


NAF YACAYL HAAYO

ORIGINAL SOMALI SONG

kuvuwGvHJPY

There are newer versions in Somali as well as covers in Afar and Amharic.

King khalids version is the Najma song which uses the music/melody if you like for another song. Najma has also been covered in Amharic... Najma uses the laxan/melody from the original old Somali song "Naf Jacayl Hayo".


KING KHALID COVER

ytbVT3wrOcc

AMHARIC/AFAR COVER

D40xaPFjQqE

Afar cover.


sy8JhVtpOVE

Upbeat song by Hassan Adan Samatar.

erLr4rFe3k0

IMO one of the best Somali songs ever made. The number of covers this song has is countless and they are all as good as eachother. The best two versions are the one below and the one by the queen of Somali music Sahra Axmed.

AFsRuH9wb6Q

A Somali song with some random video :hilarious

:dance:

vDVz2BK2lQc

Is this the next big international hit. lol :laugh: funny video and a catchy song singing in maay maay.

BuPS6SMi2rw

ILA DHEELEE... AHAA :rock:

x2KfrFHP0n4


http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/lmfao-partyrock.gif

The song through the video is Deeqa Luula - Jaango ft Nimco Dareen.

oLmWIec5u6I

kbroefQH_Qg

ydjtWXmOyYw

K_MIrIeJ3k4

Duniya Axmed Baraxaw

Calaacal song lol :laugh:

PioktShL64E

classic somali love song :cheers:

naE0Ljm7TGg

IcX0ANgm8Iw&feature=related

LMdoOpdryXU&feature=relmfu

UE8x2TLp_iM

FKbvvCNrsP4

1R7foj0w5pU

krVIU6m5sEs

RjAOvUp6-3U&feature=related

TUZohngAQ8I&feature=related

Oc95Eb7wFjg

Q10WBhLsAKs

hA1X-zvmXWA

One of the BEST Somali singers of all time
4kfYvUcFwwY

iBqpV6VyqY4

I hate the audio enhancing. It makes most Somali songs crap. They overdo it.

QoI74KnwWww
lTDlXalwJZc

qGuY1JHYa08&feature=related

m6S-vyUSHew&feature=related

ePfj0oe-uS8

AUE4EnMjRkY&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PL915B0860E4C23A5F

MBa7Eayar-Q

vStedb9LiDk&feature=related

jAbYymH7t68

x9EnP2vls88&feature=related

MLm5lz_50PM

IMO one of the best Somali songs ever made. The number of covers this song has is countless and they are all as good as eachother. The best two versions are the one below and the one by the queen of Somali music Sahra Axmed.

AFsRuH9wb6Q

My new fav Somali song

OyO8jquLIKI

DTCSQO4lWCw

FxvJf7bWHXU

KB0yLzNPj9k

A-yLzWvod_E

3iC9k8eY_z8
7OHNDPH62K0

pulchritudinous12

Great song by Maandeeq in post 85 :dance:

pulchritudinous12 What is the song in the last video of your last post and yaa ku heesa? That (in the original version) is undoubtedly also one of the best Somali songs ever made :D

http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/lmfao-partyrock.gif

Another great song from Cabdi Janan.

hE-eQqqXAuY

pulchritudinous12 What is the song in the last video of your last post and yaa ku heesa? That (in the original version) is undoubtedly also one of the best Somali songs ever made :D

http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/lmfao-partyrock.gif
The song is called Ma muujiye jaceylka or "Maaweelo"
I'm not sure who originally sings it but I love the version by Omar yare.

I found this version by Hibo Nura
http://www.allsomalimusic.com/song_listen_890_1

Soothing voice - Laila Adem:

oQmwvOsNduc

BuJ3DZQT6ng

3B5lXXkXXkk

TDdw3KI1W2Y

ui4IH_lbyFM

6IVg3iWJoQs

HrwSFKtaWBU

GrwwkKLrq8I&feature=plcp&list=PL781901C61EA3E9A6

k-1gXOwjSoA

pzROzaa6ylc

QsTxgrTaWJc

One of my favourite old school singers Cumer Dhuule (ilahay ha u naxaristo) and his lovely song 'Ceelasha'

RAzhGu6obO0

Can't his be counted as Somali music? Lol

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0E3c-X86Y6o

hhbNGRLwm5w

Can't his be counted as Somali music? Lol

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0E3c-X86Y6o
No. :)

jg2brddpm_Y

Qolobaa Calankeed

K'naan
5_koj7DjZ7c

BNwyrdB7GkY

Barnaamijka “Hir geli hamigaaga Faneed” oo maanta Muqdisho looga dhawaaqay

waxaa kasoo qeyb galay Fanaaninta Maki Xaaji Benaadir,Lafoole,Xidig(Jabuuti).iyo Mayor Tarzan,iyo Wasaarada Warfafinta

http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_1.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_2.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_3.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_6.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_9.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_14.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_15.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_17.jpg
http://laanta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crdf_18.jpg

^Nice.

Somalis enjoy first major music concert in two decadeshttp://mobile.english.rfi.fr/sites/english.filesrfi/dynimagecache/441/824/3423/1700/410/204/sites/images.rfi.fr/files/aef_image/people%20dancing%203.jpg

Rock, rap and love songs, which most Somalis deem among their few pleasures in life, were banned by al-Shebab, who ordered music off the radio waves and, of course, forbade live performaces.

Music is back in Mogadishu after being banned by Islamists who controlled much of south and central Somalia two years ago. A concert this week saw a top Somali performer appear before a happy crowd, which included government officials.

The music ban faded away once al-Shebab pulled out of Mogadishu and other parts of the country over a year ago, paving the way for a return to security in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa country.
Since then Mogadishu has seen rapid growth and developments in the music sector as Somali singers based in the diaspora have returned to entertain Somalis in the capital Mogadishu - a hugely symbolical and significant gesture.

Among the singers was Mohamed Hassan Lafoole, who is one of the most revered Somali music artists admired by many music-loving Somalis. His songs have became a real hit in the Somali music industy in recent years.

He performed one of his latest albums to hundreds of spectators in Mogadishu for the first time in two decades with government officials also in attendance.

Mogadishu mayor, Mohamud Ahmed Nur, also known as Tarsan, was present at the show. In his opening remarks he praised the Somali musicians for their contribution to creating peace in their country.

The mayor also added that the Somali musicians, singers and poets have had bad days, so that the government will give them the courage and the value they deserve.

“Where you now stay is Mogadishu," he told them. "I understand that some of you may think are in London or New York but actually we are in Mogadishu, the theme of this show is 'Mogadishu at night' this is Mogadishu at night.

"We are really very delighted the homecomings of the Somali singers in the diaspora like Lafoole. This move is a clear indication that Mogadishu is regaining it is lost glory, so we need the people to make the most of it and enjoy yourself.”

Everyone was happy as this was the first live performance in the city since the fall of central government of Somalia.

There were many colourful dancers enjoying the vibrant music with many participants from the diaspora hitting the dance floor as the audience applauded and everyone tapped their feet in step to the beats.

Music and songs are what brings relief from anger, frustration, depression, fatigue and other emotional and physical pain, audience members said.

”The last 20 years we have been suffering but now we have a beautiful life," said Rahma Hassan, who joined the dancing. "I am telling every Somali especially those of us who live abroad, come back, business is booming, we all have a peace now, we need people to come back.

"Please bring your flowers and new kids back home and your lovers. Happy Valentine night!”

"This is really amazing that Mogadishu is now 100 per cent safe and seen people coming here mostly young enjoying, dancing, partying, chatting," said Yusuf Ahmed, who has returned from the UK. "It is really amazing so it is something that I can really tell my friends, it is something that I can tell my friends to come back here now and see how Mogadishu is improving.”

Many Somali artists, actors and singers have fled the violence over the last two decades, especially as al Shebab cracked down on any forms of art they deemed unislamic according to their strict interpretation of sharia law that they adhere to.

The tradition of Somali music can be traced back to the war of independence. Many freedom songs were composed, which called for the awakening of the people to rebuild their ideals and the nation in turn.

The awakening songs of Somalia still continue to inspire the people of Somalia.

At the present time in the country new challenges are emerging but music can make a call and help eradicate the social evils that are emerging from corruption, drugs and bribery.

Al Fanaan Faroole Valentine night Party in Mogadisho 2013

MxMzmzkDmq8

1nJ70bHDKr8

Somalia Got Talent.



After 25 year of war and conflict, Somalis are embracing revival of music and arts. Somali music competition was launched to give aspiring young artists an opportunity to flaunt their talents. Over 1000 aspiring singers, poets and comedians from across Mogadishu’s 16 districts and from other regions of Somalia have applied to participate in the competition.

The competition will be broadcasted live on Somali televisions and radios through successive auditions. The winners of each audition will be chosen by a panel of judges consisting of well-known Somali personalities and artists

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/karaan10/IMG_6831_zps132dd248.jpg
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/karaan10/IMG_6865_zps2bca2de9.jpg
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/karaan10/IMG_6844_zps50816e79.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/karaan10/Somali-idol-098_zpscd71d13a.jpg

bhR4HW8Seho

Waayaha Cusub, a Somali hip-hop group based in Kenya, plans to travel to Mogadishu in March to bring music and messages of peace back to the city through the Somali Sunrise Concert Tour for Peace.

"Peace is returning to Somalia, and musicians and other artists should also return to solidify the peace efforts," said Akhyaar Abdulahi Ali, known as Shiine, founder of Eastleigh-based Waayaha Cusub (http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2012/03/19/feature-02).
"There have been limited music performances in Mogadishu for fear of attacks from militants," Shiine told Sabahi. "This will be the biggest music concert in 20 years."
Organisers expect more than 5,000 people and 10 guest artists to attend the Mogadishu Music Festival. Because of security concerns, the exact date and venue will not be announced until shortly before the concert.
The Mogadishu Municipality is working around-the-clock to prepare for the event, provide needed security and ensure its success, Benadir administration spokesperson Mohamed Yusuf Osman told Sabahi.
'We want to tell everyone to leave violence behind'

Shiine said the concert is scheduled to last more than six hours, during which organisers will hand out fliers and t-shirts with messages of peace and hope.
"We are not charging any gate fees and we encourage people to attend and feel safe because the government has promised to provide adequate security drawn from the national police, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the army," he said.
"We realise that militants and their sympathisers have spread to Kenya to try to hoodwink more Kenyan youths into joining them (http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2012/06/28/feature-01), and this is what we would like the youths here to shun through our music," Shiine said.
The event in Mogadishu will culminate the group's concert tour aimed at promoting peace and stability in East Africa, with stops in Eastleigh, Garissa, Wajir and Dadaab refugee complex.
"Through this concert tour, we want to tell everyone to leave violence behind and encourage Somali citizens who left the country after the violence broke out to return and help re-build the country," said Daniel Gerstle, an American producer who has worked with Waayaha Cusub on various songs and is producing the show.
Gerstle is also the director and founder of Humanitarian Bazaar, which organises music events and provides social platforms to help people survive war and pursue peace.
He said he decided to help organise the Mogadishu concert because music is an effective vehicle for communicating with young people.
"Youths are always disinterested in listening to peace lectures, especially from old folks, but music and other performances provide them not only entertainment but also lessons," he told Sabahi.
Other scheduled musicians

The concert tour features musical acts from Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Afghanistan, the United States and the United Kingdom, among others.
Singers Hodan Abdirahman and Dalmar Yare, both Somali-Americans, confirmed that they would perform at the Mogadishu event, while Kenyan Malindi band Kombo Chokwe and Afro Simba offered to perform during the Kenyan leg of the tour and in Mogadishu.
Vocalist Falis Abdi, rapper Digriyo Abdi, Mogadishu's Motown-style group Waaberi, and rappers Lihle Muhdin and Burhan Ahmed Yare are also scheduled to perform.
Gerstle said various organisations have pledged to support the concert. In addition, Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, Mogadishu Mayor Mohamed Ahmed Nur and AMISOM officials offered their help to ensure the event is safe.
"Political leaders in Somalia have announced that calm is returning to Somalia, but in order for us who fled the conflict to prove it to the whole world, we must be willing to come back and contribute to its re-building," Shiine said.
"We must persuade our fellow youths to desist from violence and from joining extremist groups so that we do not relapse to anarchy. That is why every one of us should contribute," he said. "We want to paint a different picture for our country removed from war and blasts, but one of happiness, tolerance and hope."
Abdi Said contributed to this report from Mogadishu.

http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2013/03/08/feature-02

Lafoole Mogadisho show complete

zN6XIPyNZug&list

Lafoole Mogadisho show complete

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN6XIPyNZug&list">YouTube Link</a>

When did show start? There has been lots of music festivals and shows lately in Muqdisho

When did show start? There has been lots of music festivals and shows lately in Muqdisho

A lot of the artists have returned. Off the top of my head King Khalid, Jooqle and many others have returned and all recently performed in Mogadishu.

http://www.mtvhive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/ATFA004_final_500.jpg

Somali band Waahaya Cusub performs at the International Solidarity Concert as part of the Mogadishu Music Festival in Somalia's capital on March 29, 2013. This was the second concert organised as part of the historical festival, which is the first of its kind in over two decades since civil war broke out in Somalia in 1991.
http://shawglobalnews.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/mogadishu-music-festival.jpg?w=720&h=452&crop=1

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Fueled by the high-volume music and fast-talking rappers, the Somali crowd danced, shouted and sang. Mogadishu’s first music festival in decades acted as another step in moving past a city soundscape once filled with gunfire and mortar shells.

The Reconciliation Music Festival was organized by a Somali rap group who moved overseas, Waayaha Cusub. Last week’s performances attracted international artists to a capital city that until recently was music-free.

The militant group al-Shabab ruled Mogadishu from 2006 until the fighters were forced out in August 2011. No lyrical stanzas were allowed in al-Shabab-controlled areas, and the al-Qaida linked militants banned music as a “sin” punishable by public flogging.

Two years ago, an al-Shabab spokesman threatened Waayaha Cusub after it produced a song disparaging the militants’ rule and its penchant for killing civilians.

“We want to change the world’s impression toward Mogadishu as a dangerous city,” rapper Shine Akhiyar told the crowd from the stage. “Mogadishu is more peaceful than many cities considered peaceful. Through music, we are committed to fight extremism.”

For the cheering audience in this seaside capital, the winds of change were audible.

“It’s a great night,” said Abdishakur Ali, a 17-year-old who was standing among his dancing peers. “I have never seen something like this. It’s a nice one. We are tired of war.”

Music is gradually returning but Somalia still has a long way to go to regain its rich cultural past. The packed open-air venues of the 1980s have been bombed to rubble or occupied by squatters. The music has changed too. Gone are the songs about love and romance. Instead, new tracks explore the struggle for peace.

The foreign and Somali musicians also had a private showing with an audience that in the past may have wished them dead – a group of militant defectors now participating in a government-sponsored rehabilitation program. To the musicians’ surprise, many former fighters – some of them still in their early teens – immediately began to dance.

“The most important achievement of our festival really was to rap and sing alongside former fighters and child soldiers,” said Daniel Gerstle, an American musician from Ohio.

Ban was speaking at the headquarters of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, which is sending a team of 15 experts to join the commission, along with World Health Organization staff. The team is led by Ake Sellstrom, a Swedish professor who was a U.N. chemical weapons inspector in Iraq and now works at a research institute that deals with chemical incidents. Ban said he spoke to Sellstrom on Sunday night and he was now heading to join the advance party in Cyprus.

http://globalnews.ca/news/463334/music-makes-a-comeback-in-somalia-with-help-of-reconciliation-music-festival/

Waayaha Cusub performs in Mogadishu.

iK3W3agLus4#!

Somali poet receives prestigious Dutch award

By ABDULKADIR KHALIF in Mogadishu | Friday, April 19 2013 at 15:47
http://www.africareview.com/image/view/-/1752908/highRes/493154/-/maxh/283/maxw/432/-/109vfv4/-/SomaliPoetIMG.jpg
The Dutch ambassador to Somalia, Mr Joost Reintjes, on Wednesday presented Somali poet and playwright Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame - better known as Hadrawi - with the Prince Claus award.

The prize is one of the highest offered by the Netherlands monarchy.

The occasion that took place at the Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa, the capital of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, attracted politicians, expatriates, artistic personalities and members of the public.

Mr Reintjes explained that a five-member panel of independent experts from different countries representing a broad range of disciplines select the recipients.

The Prince Claus carries a $25,000 prize.

&ldquo;The committee selected Mr Hadrawi for his contribution to arts,&rdquo; said the Dutch ambassador before an enthusiastic crowd.

&ldquo;In a span of nearly half a century, poet Hadrawi composed more than 200 poems and artworks plus tens of popular plays,&rdquo; noted one of the participants.

The previous day, on Tuesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud had welcomed the new ambassador from the Netherlands.
http://www.africareview.com/Arts-and-Culture/Somali-poet-receives-prestigious-Dutch-award/-/979194/1752852/-/h1ui5az/-/index.html