By Adan Makina
Known in Somalia and in the Diaspora as ‘Boqorkii Codka’, ‘King of Vocals’ or ‘King of Music’, Mohamed Suleiman Tubeec (GBS) had the qualities of a modern musician. A soft-spoken man who polished his career through hard work in the Somali music industry, Tubeec had to his credit almost half a century of singing with numerous collections of songs in tapes and CDs. With the advancement of technology and communication in modern times, many of his songs have been converted into music videos that are available in YouTube, DVD and VHS. His meteoric rise saw him play in Pan-African conventions most notably in Nigeria where he sang with the famous Magool (GBS) in the then capital city, Lagos.
Tubeec has been a source of inspiration among the young and old of Somalia in theatrical performances and in many popular social gatherings, in cafes, shops, in open and closed markets, in cars and buses, in private homes and in weddings. He could always be seen surrounded by uncountable number of fans who jostled for a glimpse of his natural image during national celebrations, Eid festivals, international events, and commemorations in the heydays of the central government.
His captivating voice aired in various radio stations including the BBC Somali Service, Voice of Kenya, Voice of Addis Ababa, Radio Moscow, Radio Hargeisa, Radio Djibouti, Voice of America Somali Service, Radio Mogadishu, Radio Hargeusa and the list could be endless. For the four decades the Somali music industry has been in existence, none among Somali male vocalists has been fortunate enough to shatter the golden voice of Tubeec though a few dared come close. .
His fascinating and titillating voice instilled love and affection in many ruptured hearts; his articulate mention of events audible in his songs rhymed with the musical love of his audience, his rambunctious character attracted throngs of admirers who would be seen giving him ecstatic applause, clapping hands, dancing to the tune, and even demanding a rerun of a just concluded performance. The famous Hobolada Waaberi or the Dawn Troupe had been his base for many years. Housed in the famous Mogadishu Theatre in the olden days of peace and tranquility, Hobolada Waaberi entertained the Somali nation until the collapse of the military junta.
Bespectacled Tubeec had a host of female vocalists who sang with him in duets and they included the two music giants Maandeeq and Halima Khalif Magol-a duo described by many as the ‘Queens of Somali Music’. When on stage, Tubeec was known to hold the microphone in his left hand while at the same using his right hand for making gestures. He often appeared on stage in smart suits though he would doff off his coat when the room temperature rose to a boiling point-that is when the audience got out of control-agitated by the tremendous sounds of the instruments played in the background by a select group of well-rehearsed guitarists, trombonists, and pianists.
Some of his songs include ‘Hooyo‘-a tribute to the importance of our mothers in mothering and motherhood. Tubeec delved into the general character of a mother, her aspects of raising children, and her place in our life. I think no musician among Somalis, living or dead, covered the broad role of a mother in musical form like Tubeec did. ‘Deeqa’-the name of another prominent song refers to a Somali mademoiselle to whom he showers praise.
As Somali music is tasteless without mentioning the beauty of the fauna and flora, Tubeec’s song ‘Jaawo Geel’ describes the beauty and greatness of a female lover that he compares to the Camel-an animal referred to as the ‘beast of burden’ by early European travelers traversing the Middle East and Africa-even though the song is primarily about love.
Tubeec although passes away will continue to reign as the ‘Father of Somali Music’ until such a time when an overwhelming new voice emerges within the Diaspora or inside Somalia-a voice that will unanimously appeal to all Somali speaking people and permeate the hearts of the young and old-men and women alike. Some of his other famous songs include Cilmi Boodari, Cajab, Wakhti, Alla Maanta ayaanta and many more great songs.
Tubeec, the man with the golden voice, departed the world recently in Germany. His departure from our material world touched the hearts of many who admired him as a man of immense wisdom and great personality. Those who knew him described him as a cool, calm, and collected gentleman who had the hallmarks of Islaanimo and Soomaalinimo at heart. May Allaah expand for him the grave, ease for him the questioning in the grave, and admit him to Jannatul Firdows. And may Allaah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds give comfort to his living family members. Aamiin
Adan Makina
WardheerNews
Email: [email protected]
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Nota Bene: The original version of this article previously appeared on www.wardheernews.com on Feb. 9, 2012.
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