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.
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.
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.
Source: AllAfrica
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