Hodan Abdirahman Dheere: a singer for all Somalis

There aren’t too many female singers who have had the breadth and longevity over the past decade that Hodan Abdirahman Dheere has achieved. Hodan, the byproduct of two renowned singers—Aamina Abdillahi Hirsi and Abdirahman Osman Mahabe (Dheere), may they both rest in peace—emerged on the music scene in the early 2000s in Nairobi. Here she is singing Bukaan Saasa alongside members of Waayaha Cusub. Her vocals are pure and strong. Although her voice is reminiscent of her mother’s, it is unmistakably her own—flowery, powerful, and able to stand out on any track she features on. 

After leaving Nairobi, Hodan moved to Minnesota. Some of the hits she released in the region I’ve dubbed “the second home of Somali music” include Amoore (Lover), released in 2012—one of her earliest solo tracks. She boldly and unapologetically poured her heart into this song. In 2015, she released Jaale, and her vocal struly took centre stage, demonstrating just how much female singers add depth and feeling to these songs. The music and her voice complement each other perfectly, and I’m consistently amazed by her vocal prowess whenever I hear this track. In 2023, she released Alla Iga Taxadiray, a self-love anthem of sorts. Ironically—or perhaps not—this was filmed in the same bridge area as her 2012 track “Dheef”. That location, right by the river, remains one of my favourite spots in Minneapolis. 

Despite relocating to the United States after her time in Nairobi, Hodan remained deeply connected to the music scene in the Horn of Africa. 

In a recent interview with Hilin Show, Hassan Dhuxul Laabsaalax, former manager of the esteemed Xidigaha Geeska (Horn Stars), revealed that Hodan was one of the individuals who originally conceived the idea of the band. The group, composed of singers, songwriters, and musicians, lived and worked together and operated as an egalitarian collective. Learning about this history was fascinating and gave me a new appreciation for their achievements. 

By 2013, most of the members had settled in Hargeisa, where they performed their hit songs live on Horn Cable TV’s programme Fanka & Suugaanta, moderated by the popular presenter Nimco Samriye. The segment titled Hodan Abdirahman and the Xidigaha Geeska featured Hodan and the wider ensemble: Maxamed BK, Nimcaan Hilaac, Maxamed Bakal “Cirro”, Cabdi Hani, Mohamed Jeesto, and Ahmed Weli Furinle on the keyboard. During this televised performance, Hodan sang a duet with each male singer on stage that night. 

She performed Xornimo Sumadle, a patriotic anthem, with Yurub Geenyo—a song they both continue to perform to this day. In the interview, she shared that this was the first patriotic song written by Laabsaalax, and it was Hodan who had requested him to write it. Unlike many other patriotic songs performed by the group, this one centred the voices of the two women, while the men joined in for the chorus. The song takes listeners on a journey through various regions of Somaliland, and Nimco emphasised the prominence of Hargeisa within the lyrics. She noted, “You went on a long journey across the country and now—‘Hargeisa oo siraadan waan suugaayey.’” As the group released over five new songs during that programme, it reminded us that Hargeisa is truly the epicentre of Somali arts and culture. 

She also sang Ulasho with Mohamed Jeesto, and their harmonies were stunning. I particularly adore the duet Jacaylka U Beer with Nimcaan Hilaac. I saw them perform it live in Minneapolis in 2021—I may have lost my voice singing along. Another gem is Kalay Ila Dhan Caashaqa, a duet with Cabdi Hani. Their voices blend beautifully in this track. Although I don’t listen to it often, it feels instantly familiar whenever I hear it. It’s unique and truly captures the essence of love songs from that particular era. 

During the same programme, Nimco asked Hodan if she had any romantic relationships with the male singers she duetted with. On the couch, Hodan appeared shy, respectful, and slightly bashful, but she confidently replied:“If you are a singer, you can sing with anyone. These other male singers have their own families, and we are in business to make good music for our listeners.” And that they did. 

In 2022, she returned to Hargeisa and continued this tradition of singing duets with everyone in the band. The performance was recorded and produced by Astaan TV with live instrumentation, and this series has become one of my recent favourites in Somali music. While the music production wasn’t as strong as in previous years—mainly covers of older songs—Hodan’s melodious voice stood out in every track. I particularly loved her cover of Daan Baari with Abdirahman Oday. It was originally sung by her late mother, Aamina Abdillahi, alongside Hassan Adan Samatar, and the live instrumentation beautifully supported her voice. The contrast between her vibrant range and Oday’s smooth tone made the performance a perfect balance of their personalities and voices. Another highlight was the cover of Hallow/Hello, performed with Mursal. It’s a lovely love song in which both singers express admiration and affection. It begins, Waa Sheeko Hodanay, and whenever Hodan takes the mic, she delivers—brilliantly. 

Hodan differs from many other Somali singers in her commanding stage presence. One of the solo songs she performed during the 2013 Horn Cable TV special was Dugsi. Once the beat drops, you simply cannot sit still—you have to dance. Though Hodan didn’t stand up (none of the singers did), everyone instantly came alive when she began to sing and sway. 

Here she is again, performing Dugsi on stage in Hargeisa in 2022. Pregnant, yet energetic and radiant, she sings proudly that she “chose him / her love” and implores him to protect “this love that they share”. Mursal Muuse, her husband by this time, is on stage with her. The song feels like a blend of rap and Somali traditional rhythms—fast-paced, yet lyrically rich. In contrast to the demure female figures once common in Somali music, Hodan here fully embraces her agency. She stands out unapologetically, both in voice and presence. 

Hodan’s discography weaves through a range of themes. Beyond her collaborations with Xidigaha Geeska, I want to highlight her songs for Somali political regions and the romantic duets with Mursal Muuse. 

I’ve long believed that Hodan exemplifies the idea that Somali singers are, or should be, a reflection of all Somalis—free of tribal or national borders. They’re a treasure that belong to us all. In 2025, while tribalism remains unfortunately prevalent, Hodan sings for all regions, states, and nations that speak Somali. Few Somali artists can match her range and reach—perhaps only Ilkacase Qays comes close, but today, we’re talking about Hodan. 

She’s sung many great songs for Somaliland. In Dhulkayga, she welcomes Sir Mahamoud Cumar to Minneapolis. (Also—Rahma Rose’s outfit in the video is stunning.) I stumbled upon a song she recorded for the Somali-Ethiopian region around 2013; the visuals are breathtaking, but it’s her voice that truly resonates. I also enjoyed her dhaanto performance with Iidle Yare in Nairobi. 

One of my favourite tracks is Benadir, sung alongside Hobolada Waaberi in Mogadishu. One thing about Hodan—wherever she goes, she brings singers together. 

Most recently, she released a song for Maakhir State performing alongside Malyuun Maanka. While the Somali music scene in Minneapolis is currently male-dominated, seeing the reigning queen of Somali music collaborate with its rising princess is significant and inspiring. 

In Sinjiga Samaroon Siciid, sung in her hometown of Borama, she sings for her fellow tribal sisters. It’s a brilliant track with a fantastic beat—where better than home to sing for your kin? 

No tribute to Hodan would be complete without mentioning her love story with Mursal Muuse, another celebrated singer, often called Curaadka (firstborn) of Xidigaha Geeska. One of my all-time favourite duets of theirs is Way Dhabawday, released upon her return to Somaliland in 2022. The melody moves fluidly between slow verses and an upbeat chorus. The lyrics are tender and sweet, and the music video—shot in a remote location—depicts a countryside picnic scene between two lovers. Though it could reflect their real love story, the song belongs to all of us. 

Their first collaboration, Dhaxdin, was released in 2014 in Hargeisa—written by Laabsaalax. In it, she sings that if she cannot live out this love, her life is incomplete. She dreams of a future with him and children. In 2020, they released Soo Dadaal, with Hodan proudly announcing how this love transformed her—pregnant with their child. Mursal echoes her feelings in the track. Despite my feminist leanings, I can’t help but sing along—this is a great song. 

Today, in 2025, they live in Minnesota with their children. For Mursal’s 2024 New Year’s Show, the couple performed many of their best-loved hits—a nostalgic reintroduction of their discography for Somali-American audiences. While they’ve long been celebrated in Hargeisa, watching them perform in Minneapolis felt special. This year’s show included a cover of the reer Xamar classic “Wad Loo Filaa Wali Nool”—a performance in which their voices truly did the original justice. 

What the next generation of these two exceptional artists will bring remains to be seen. Even if their children choose different paths, Hodan’s legacy is secure—in her music: forthright, beautiful, enduring, and filled with her unmistakably joyful spirit.