A reflection on Somaliland’s artistic revival 

“Waabaa baryay, bilicsan, arooryo baxsan, maalin boqoran”—these are the words Somali singers, primarily Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc and Hobolladii Waaberi, used to sing before the war and the collapse of the state. The song, which literally describes the advent of a new day, signified hope and renewal—a beautiful dawn. When I see what’s been happening in Hargeisa over the past few months from a musical perspective, that same song always plays in my head. 

Perhaps it’s Maxamed BK’s bright smile and enthusiasm as he returns to the music scene; perhaps it’s Dayax Band’s proud vigour as they sing for their country; perhaps it’s the revival of the beloved Xidigaha Geeska—but the music scene in Hargeisa is shining brightly and illuminating the nation. 

Somaliland’s contemporary cultural production has always been unapologetically its own and unique to its political and social climate. Earlier songs about Somaliland were patriotic in nature focusing on the fight to exist and standalone from Somalia. Songs that come to mind are “Bulshada Somalilandeey” sung by legendary singers in the diaspora alongside Nimco Yasin. “Dhulka Waa La Tolayaa” also sung by Nimco Yasin alongside Nuur Dalacay. These songs were produced and mainly sung in the diaspora. 

However, it’s the contemporary songs by Xidigaha Geeska—an organised group of singers, writers, and musicians based in Hargeisa—that come to mind when I think of 18 May and the celebration of Somaliland. 

While I recalled Waabaa Baryay Bilicsan earlier, that is not one of the songs that I usually think of when I think of Somaliland.I think of Allow Noo Tiirisee, one of the first songs Xidigaha Geeska came together to release. The link shows Mursal Muse singing it in Minneapolis in 2024 but more than 10 singers came together originally to sing that song. I also immediately think of, Gooni Isu Taag that Xidigaha Geeska sang in 2014 in Gabiley.  

At their prime, the group urged their society to come together despite divisions, and to take pride in their country—its history and accomplishments. Everyone’s voices complemented each other so beautifully, and each verse encouraged and promoted nationalistic ideals. It was also remarkable to witness most of the group, at that time, performing together on a single track. You had Cabdi Hani, Nimcaan Hilaac, Maxamed BK, Abdirahman Oday, Maxamed Bakal “Cirro”, Ifrah Hargeisa, and Yurub Geenyo—all on one song. 

The other song that epitomizes Somaliland to me is, “Dhuulkaaga Lagu Hodma” written by Sidiq Burmad, which includes Hamda Queen and Asma Love who were not on the previous song. The pride as each person sang is evident in the video, it seemed to take over them and they 

rocked along. When Shaadiya Sharaf came to Hargeysa in 2023, contemporary singers sang this song as well and the audience sang along with unmatched energy, 

Over ten years later, these songs are still not only catchy but also capture the unmatched pride and shared history that shape reer Somaliland. I visited Gabiley the following year and saw the stage where Xidigaha Geeska had performed—the nationalistic decorations were still up from that time. It felt like a quiet way of saying: we will never forget all that we went through—both the good and the bad. I only wish I had been there in 2014 to watch the group perform. 

Other songs Xidigaha Geeksa produced around that time speaking to their constituents are: Tacab and Hankaagu ha Dhaafo Reer Hebel . I use the word constituents because although they were not politicians, as true artists they used their platform to guide and inform their listeners and society at large. The latter song, Hankaagu Ha Dhaafo, was so catchy when I used to hear it playing I didn’t pay attention to the words. However, as I hear it now, after witnessing what the 2017 elections campaign was like, I heed their warning. It’s a message we must always be mindful of.  

One of my favorite Somaliland songs of all time is “Xornimo Sumadale” a song with good vibes that gives the ladies a front seat to lead a song. The talented duo of Hodan Abdirahman Dheere and Yurub Geenyo take us from city to city across the entire country. I will never not sing outloud to “Hargeisa oo siraaddin waan suugayeey”. It’s a song that makes me feel homesick and connected to Somaliland as a place. It is not overly nationalistic but it evokes feelings of belonging and home in the truest sense.  

Although most of the songs I previously mentioned were released over ten years ago, they are still among the first to be played whenever 18 May celebrations begin. The vigour and enthusiasm surrounding the occasion are evident—from those earlier patriotic songs to today’s popular hits. 

It seemed as if last year’s May 18 celebration was an international contest of who would come out with the hottest songs. My top three favorites were Mustafe Dollar singing “Sanka-Taag” a song written by Abwaan Saar, which again speaks to the self-determination of the people of Somaliland. It’s beautiful to see adults who grew up post 1991- only knowing Somaliland express such pride and ownership in their country. My next favorite is the incomparable and esteemed Roda Kayf who came out with two nationalistic songs last year. I love “Rabow Ictiraaf Helaaye” written by Mubarik Cabdi, it has such an amazing beat that it forces you to get out of your seat and dance. Honorable mention to “Xuska May” that she sang written by Cawaale Deeqsi. My other favorite song of the May 18, 2024 season was Mayluun Maanka’s “Somaliland” written by Khalid Miino. On the eve of political strife in the country and beckoning elections, I really have to salute the songwriters, who made sure to still motivate and remind their people despite all odds Somaliland is theirs and will continue to prosper.  

In the middle of a tense presidential election season, the nationalistic songs were important to remind the people that despite prevalent divisions in society, they were all citizens of the same country. However, with election campaigning came a whole slew of songs to liven up the masses,and it was truly a remarkable time. Ugbaad Aragsan had been singing and campaigning heavily for Cirro unapologetically when many other artists were not aligning themselves with him. She came out with “Cirrow Xilka Qabo” October 2023 and spent most of 2024 campaigning and performing WHEREVER Waddani had a political demonstration. Slowly other artists started to join her, while others sang for the incumbent president.  

Whereas Dayax Band were primarily singing in support of Kulmiye, we saw a resurgence of Xidigaha Geeska speaking out against the incumbent president and his actions. Who could have anticipated the figurative bomb that was “Sool Bari Xageed Gaysay,” which Xidigaha Geeska dropped in October 2024? Much respect to the abwaan (poet) who wrote that song. Xidigaha Geeska emerged from the shadows once more to speak truth to power and condemn the actions of Bihi and his administration, which had plagued the region. 

Harnessing the power of oral tradition, we watched as Xidigaha Geeksa came out with song after song criticizing Bihi and speaking in blatant support of the opposition. One song I really enjoyed during the campaign season was “Lagu Barayee Naga Baydh” that Yurub Geenyo, Asma Love and Khadra Sinimo sang. If there was ever a shadow of doubt that Bihi would return, these songs made sure public opinion was loud and clear. Imagine the audacity of Ahmed Arshe to sing, “Deg, Adeer, Deg” boldly and unapologetically reiterating enough was enough and the people wanted change. I admire the group for saying their stance so clearly and without recourse.I have to say there was nothing more amusing than hearing the singers sing “We need Cirro smiling as our leader” after people spoke out against him for the same thing. Someone should make an album of all these songs that came out during this time. 

While that might not be in the cards, since the new president was sworn in we’ve seen a growing appreciation for the arts and culture sector in Hargeisa. With an event at the Presidential Palace specifically to honour those artists, it feels as if Hargeisa is reclaiming its rightful title as “Hoygii Fanka” — the home of Somali arts and culture. Much like last year, it seems the singers and songwriters have upped the ante and are truly bringing their best to usher in this year’s 18 May celebration. 

For those of us in the diaspora watching, there is a revival of artistry and joy in the air this year as the 18 May celebrations approach. The singers have rallied together and are more organised and publicly prominent with their groups. Last year, members of Dayax Band released music videos covering older Somaliland songs. This year, the whole group came together to sing “Somaliland” and “Ku Qosla Bulshadaydiiyey”, emphasising that whatever strife and social division the people of Somaliland have recently endured has passed, and that they should come together stronger. I’m particularly amused by this focus on increasing joy and happiness among the people, but we certainly need it. After the last few years, Somaliland society needs this morale boost. In the second song, they ask smugly but with pride, “What can be done about this country (Somaliland)? God is supporting it.” 

BK and Xidigaha Geeska’s return poses a challenge to the younger members of Dayax Band, who have been enjoying the spotlight. Xidigaha Geeska recently introduced new members who have been very popular over the past couple of years—Qamar Suugaani, Roda Kayf and Abdikarim Ali Shaah, among others. The group is well organised, wearing matching outfits as they fill Hargeisa Stadium and perform at the Presidential Palace. While many of the earlier members have moved on, we have also seen Maxamed BK’s unexpected return to music, and he is certainly making up for lost time. The group has produced many songs this year for 18 May, and my entire TikTok feed is full of Maxamed BK performing. For this year’s 18 May celebrations, BK released, “Sooyaal,” a very catchy song with traditional beats but even more powerful lyrics. Written by Abdillahi Dheer, it traces the history of Somaliland from joining Italian Somaliland in 1960 to the pain and violence its people endured during Barre’s regime—emphasising “we will never come back [to Somalia] again.” It seems that every time I look up Xidigaha Geeska, in all respects, they are constantly releasing new songs for 18 May. The group appears to be back and ready to reclaim its rightful place as the leading music entity in Somaliland; however, it will not be a position easily granted. 

I began this piece with “Waabaa Baryay Bilicsan, Arooyo Baxsan, Maalin Boqoran,” but if there is one thing I have learned from Somaliland, it is that we do not have to stick to the same tune and narrative simply because it once existed. Reer Somaliland have always forged their own path and created their own tunes. I am delighted to see the creativity, ingenuity and joy coming from Somaliland’s artists this year. While 18 May 1991 is the day Somaliland chose to reclaim its independence, 26 June 1960 was the day Somaliland—known then as British Somaliland—gained independence. It is important to note that Somaliland did not come into existence in 1991. I leave you with this current hit, “Somaliland Kugu Maalay,” from the London stars reiterating the same message. Written by Daaha Gaas, it is sung by Hodan Quruxsan, Sabrina Muse, Abdirahman Nasri, Ahmed Nasri and Saalax Carab.