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Almost twenty years after the collapse of the central government, the news coming from Somalia is heart wrenching and depressing -- what we read daily from the Somali websites is death and destruction. For the masses inside the country, no end insight for their suffering and those living in the Diaspora, they have no chance of returning soon to their homeland. like the Vietnam and the Gulf war veterans, Unknowingly, Many Somalis suffer what we call PSTD (Post Stress Trauma Disorder) as a result of the civil war and its horrible consequences. In most cases, we don't seek psychiatric help out of shame and stigma and we continue to suffer and hide the illness until we are sent to the mad house. Personally, I made a decision to stop reading Somali news and transform my life in a way that will give me a healthy environment. I imparked in a program of embracing and exploring Somali and African music and culture and in doing so, I came across a fast wealth of songs and arts by talented singers from different countries in the African Continent -- one central theme, the musicians all share and convey is a universal message of peace and love. They are a social force of their respective societies, some of them are either imprisoned or exiled from their country. I'm honored to share with you the four best singers and their songs:- Saado Ali Warsame
Saado, a famous singer recently produced a hit song as video, named (let us consult, lead me or I lead you or let us depart one from another), the song writer is "Sangub" -- she represents the popular voice and in the end, the warmongers reject every suggested option, except to remain at loggerhead and in conflict. Saado's backdrop in the video shows carnage and emaciated children, which is a sign of the sad state of Somali affairs. We are a society that will never agree on anything, other than divisions and conflict amongst us. The question is how can we overcome this never ending crisis?, how can we become a State/Nation again?. Some experts suggest, that a benevolent strong tyrant or a European re-colonization are the only options left -- both aren't visible at this moment. Should we all support one group, less evil than the other to win the war and at least rule the country for a while?. How many more the so called reconciliation conference or a federal transition process should we go through, before we eventually have a stable government and experience real peace?. It is a mind bugling and that is why I'm avoiding news from Somalia. Teddy Afro (Ethiopia)
Teddy afro is the stage name of Tewodros Kassahun, a 33 yrs old Ethiopian reggae singer, who is now in Jail, accused of hit and run. He was put in jail in April 2008. The accusation is allegedly politically motivated, following the release of several songs critical of the Melez Government. He is known "the king of pop of Ethiopia" and his best songs promote peace and harmony among all Ethiopia's different ethnic and religious groups. His songs include Abugida and a song in tribute to late Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie, another in honor of the Olympic champion, the fastest man in the earth, Haile Gebreselassie. The one song that I like most is "Jah Yestaseral", I listened this song more than 100 times and I urge each and everyone of you to listen. This song promotes forgiveness and redemption. Maryan Mursal
Maryan is another well known singer from Somalia, she now lives in England and this year she made an excellent song (Somaliland) in commemoration for the 18th anniversary of Somaliland. The song praises the people of Somaliland for their achievement of progress and peace and at end, she concludes with a traditional dance "Herimahee anahabaa". Maryan is a brave singer -- she showed her courage to support the fledgling government and her subsequent visit to Hargiesa was timely and fair. I know many southerners portray her as traitor, who compromised the Unity of Somalia. How could anyone speak of unity, when the only unity left in the southern regions is brother against brother? and how could a warlord or a so called intellectual or religious leader, who supports a clan or group for his personal ends, criticize Somaliland when they seek international recognition?, what would have you done differently if you were in this circumstance?. It was 30 yrs ago to this date, when I last visited Somaliland; I'm a Southerner and I like to go back to Hargesa before I go to any other place; I'm nostalgic to the good people of Hargesa that I met with during my brief government assignment in 1979/80. Didier Awadi (Senegal)
Awadi is a Senegalese rapper, he sings in "Wolof", one of the dominant ethnic Senegalese languages, he is a social reformer. A pioneer of the hip-hop movement in Senegal and West Africa. Awadi founded the group Positive Black Soul (PBS). Over the years, he unleashed a wave of new music. Awadi released his first solo album Kaddu Gor (word of honor) in 2002. The album won the Radio France Internationale World Music award in 2003. SUNUGAAL, is one of my favorite song, it means my boat -- in this song, Awadi speaks to the youth who risk their lives to cross the sea to Europe with makeshift boats , he reminds them how dangerous this journey is and one shouldn't undertake. The singer blames the leaders for not doing anything to create livelihood for these young West Africans, who many of them perish in the sea. I recommend this song for you to listen and watch the video. Culture & Language In order to save young generations in the Diaspora, we have to establish a link to the Somali traditions back home. My second project is to teach my children the Somali culture and language. Two of my older children were only less than two years old, when we fled from Somalia and the others were born outside the country. I spent time with them to practice the written language, proverbs and traditional stories. Abdisalam M Garjeex See Links:- 1 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k04_KJDKX9o Saado Ali “Aan wada tashano” 2 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkWtbaIDnP4 Teddy Afro “Jah Yesterseraal” 3 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIThgck4DaU Maryan Mursal “Somaliland” 4 – http://www.studiosankara.com/sunugaal.html Didier Awadi “Sunugaal” We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com |
