Music

Somalis have a rich musical heritage centered on traditional Somali folklore. Most Somali songs are pentatonic; that is, they only use five pitches per octave in contrast to a heptatonic (seven note) scale such as the major scale. At first listen, Somali music might be mistaken for the sounds of nearby regions such as Ethiopia, Sudan or Arabia, but it is ultimately recognizable by its own unique tunes and styles.


Khadija Qalanjo, a popular Somali singer in the 1970s and 1980s.

Somali songs are usually the product of collaboration between lyricists (midho), songwriters (lahan), and singers ('odka or "voice")

Musicians:

Abdullahi Qarshe – Somali musician, poet and playwright known for his innovative styles of music which included a wide variety of musical instruments such as the guitar, piano, and oud.

Magool - (May 2, 1948 - March 19, 2004) prominent Somali singer considered in Somalia as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

Khadija Qalanjo – popular Somali singer in the 1970s and 1980s.

K'naan - award-winning Somali-Canadian hip hop artist.

Aar Maanta - UK-based Somali singer, composer, writer and music producer.

Hasan Adan Samatar – popular male artist during the 1970s and 80s

Maryam Mursal (b. 1950) famous musician from Somalia; composer and vocalist whose work has been produced by the record label Real World.

Abdi Sinimo – prominent Somali artist and inventor of the Balwo musical style.

Waaberi: Somalia's foremost musical group that toured throughout several countries in Africa and Asia, including Egypt, Sudan and China.