Another iconic Somali musician dies in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Legendary Wabeeri Band singer Omar Abdulle Osman alias Shooli has died in a Mogadishu hospital, reports indicate, in yet another setback to the Somali music industry which is undergoing an unprecedented revolution.

Omar, famously known for composing and singing inspirational songs, died at Aden Adde Hospital in the capital Mogadishu on Tuesday, family sources confirmed, where he had been admitted a few days ago.

For decades now, the iconic musician has been battling diabetes, which completely thwarted his mobility, forcing him to lie on the bed for several months, some of his children told reporters.

"Omar Abdulle Shooli, whose legendary Somali music career spanned more than five decades, has died in the capital Mogadishu. He was known as the “Tireless Figure” of Waaberi, the Somali musical supergroup," BBC's Farhan Jimale announced the death.

Recently, the legendary musician appeared in a local TV interview where he accused the government of "abandoning" him, adding that "nobody cares about my health. I am just struggling on the own".

His music dates back to the 70s during his youthful days, and he's considered as one of the most "exquisite" musicians to have ever graced the industry in Somalia, which plays an indispensable role in pushing the peace mission agenda.

The chairman of the Somali poet’s association, Poet Hirsi Dhuh, said Omar Shooli and fellow artists were "their property and the heritage of the Somali nation" in his condolence message following the tragic news.

Information and Culture ministry also described him as a "true icon" who lived and fought for the "liberation" course for Somali people. The department did not, however, reveal any plans to compensate the deceased' family.

Somalis on social media forums continued sending outpouring tributes to the musician following his demise. On Twitter, most netizens urged Somalis to pray for the bereaved family during the mourning period.

"My deepest condolence to his family and Somali people. May Allah grants him internal peace and highest place of Jannah," wrote Abdulkadir Beddal, a youthful journalist.

"One of my favorite Somali singers. Omar shooli. Somalia I knew and grew up with are departing the world. death.
O Allah forgive us," added Abdullahi Rooti, a social media enthusiast.

"Profoundly saddened The passing of our beloved Legend Omar Abdulle Shooli, his death is really heart touching May Allaha grant his Jannah," noted Buuni Cabdi

Last week, the country also lost legendary songwriter, pianist, and poet Ahmed Ismail Hussein alias Hudeydi, who succumbed to the deadly Coronavirus, becoming one of the victims of Somali-British nationality.

Hussein, 92, died in London on Tuesday night last week after battling with the virus for few days and was interred in the UK, where he had lived for the better part of his life since the end of Somalia's deadly civil war.

The fallen musician is set to be interred in accordance with Islamic culture this afternoon in Mogadishu. His mercurial music career lasted for over five decades and was widely considered as the father of Somali music.

GAROWE ONLINE