http://www.radiodaljir.com/audio/martisoor/sangub.ram

In Mogadishu, the air is filled with the sounds of urban warfare and unresolved political chaos, but in the Nairobi neighborhood of Eastleigh — a.k.a. "Little Mogadishu" — the dominant sound is that of radios tuned to a local station play a strange Somali song: Cudur, meaning "Disease", speaks of the dangers of AIDS, and warns Somalis to think twice about the social stigma that comes along with this sexually transmitted disease. Somalis don't typically discuss such taboo subjects in public, much less sing about them in bands whose makeup, music and lyrics transcend every boundary imaginable in the traditionally conservative Somali culture. The band in question is Waayaha Cusub, meaning "New Era" in Somali, made up of young Eastleigh refugees whose more than 70 original recordings has included a number of smash hit songs, earning them local celebrity status. None of the musicians have had any formal music training, and most had no education at all. But what has raised eyebrows about the group, locally, is that its members include both Somalis and Ethiopians, nations traditionally considered enemies. And the band has distinguished itself by its willingness to tackle subjects considered off-limits in Somali communities, from the negative impact of clan rivalries to the specter of AIDS. Started in 2004 by music-loving teenagers, the group quickly grew to 11 members, the youngest being barely 10 years old. And today it represents a pastiche of identities in a region riven by multiple conflicts. The lead singer is Ethiopian, one of the front men is staunch Muslim who prays regularly, even while the girls in the band wear jeans and don't bother to cover their heads. Not the sort of group that would find a place within traditional Somali society. The rebellious spirit extends to their lyrics, which deal frankly with issues many Somalis prefer to avoid discussing. One of the band's music videos depicts clan loyalties interfering with true love; another displays scenes from the ongoing war. Singer Brian Quincy, an Ethiopian refugee who goes by Q-Rap, says the band's unique makeup and the reality of its messages is what attracted him to Waayaha Cusub. Even though he was Ethiopian and not a Muslim, all he had to do to be welcomed into the band was prove his talent. "They started treating me like a brother," he says. "We started living together and sharing ideas. That made me love them more." Joining Waayaha Cusub also gave Q-Rap a sense of security. Eastleigh is a tough town, and critics don't restrict themselves to words. Singer Salma Abdul Qadir had her face slashed by unknown attackers for accidentally displaying her navel in one of the band's videos. She has remained in hiding ever since. For some other members, the harshest detractors are their own family members. Shiine Abdullaahi Ali, one of the founders, says his religiously pious parents are unaware of his activities, and that if they were to find out, the repercussions for him and the rest of the band could be catastrophic. But for Ali and many of his bandmates, Waahaya Cusub acts like a safety net to help them cope with the unforgiving lives of refugees. For Huissen Abdi Qananuf, acting in the band's music videos was the best thing that ever happened to him, "If I were back in Somalia, I would definitely be dead or killing people. Things have changed for me now. The gangsters who would take away my shoes at the mosque don't trouble me anymore." Despite the odds against a band of mostly Somali refugees making its mark on Kenya, Waayaha Cusub has become a popular phenomenon way beyond Little Mogadishu. Ordinary Kenyans can now be overheard enthusing about their music, which is getting a lot of airtime on Kenyan TV and provides an unusual twist on hip-hop whose lyrics are delivered in an eclectic mix of Swahili, English and Somali — allowing the band to reach audiences in Kenya, Somalia and the Somali diaspora. Being heard by Somalis back home is important to the band, members say, because of their message of reconciliation. For Shiine Abdullaahi Ali, one of the founders, the importance of Waayaha Cusub is a unifying force in a society torn by clan and religious warfare. "The reason why I'm in music is because I want all my brothers and sisters to like each other," he says. "We, the young generation, are from different clans and different places and still we like each other. We can bring about a big change. People talk of us on TV, and people see the news. Being Waayaha Cusub, we pass the message of peace through music." http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1645271,00.html?xid=rss-world

U-20 WORLD CUP in Canada Let us see who wins. The game is on this Sunday.

This is quite disturbing. The internet as we know it is gone. It is a sad day for Nigeria. News is pouring in ... watch it here ...

Originally posted by Johnny B: I thought of dedicating the anniversary post to all the Nomads who got banned from SOL but left a mark on one's Sol-soul, like Jumatatu, Fanisha and Alle-Ubaahne. Johhny-Be-Good, these nomads are still waiting for you to sponsor them back to SOL and gaurantee the rules will be respected. You always knew it was that simple but you decided to pursue other things such as a wedding in Gambia(a little bird wispered that to my ear the other day) How caring! Awguuryo Bad Johhny.

Anigu waxaan kula talin lahaa Muqaawamada (ICU) inaanay odayaasha nabaddoonada ah layn oo ay ka fogaadaan inay Soomaalidaan awalba qabaa'ilka ku dhisnayd ka caraysiiyaan. Wax faa'iido oo ay leedahay in kaabbo qabiilada la laayo anigu uma jeedo. Nacayb iyo kala fogaansho cusub ayuun bay horseedi.

Rotating building

I think Range Resources itself is robbed.

Originally posted by Biixi: Cirkuu marayaa sheekhani.

^^ Now that you've trashed the NRC, expect energetic Duke to be here very soon. Originally posted by xiinfaniin: Abwaan , I mince no words adeer. You owe me some answers here. Come back please and address! SOL has known camps and I always count you to be among those who understood the Somali problems for what they are! Your little interjection there made me doubt your fathering. It think Abwaan misunderstood your earlier comment Xiinoow. Atleast that is how I enterpreted it yesterday when I read his remark.

Originally posted by NGONGE: ^^^^ loooooooool. Classic one there NGONGE. Qosol badanaa.

There is something mysterious about that picture. Was this flag raised during a private discussion with SL officials? Any other pictures from other sources? Who has the details?

"Qayladooda iyo sawaxankoodu waa mid argagax ku rida cadowga kasta oo isku daya inuu Somalia ku soo xad gudbo" - Reporter

Tanks and fighter jets

Discipline, Strength, Honor and Unity Have a good snake dinner!

Coutts & Co. World Card For roughly $700 annually (waived if more than $100,000 is charged in one year), the Coutts card gives customers the chance to live like a queen. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II is a Coutts client. The concierge and assistance center is a major perk, offering everything from help chartering a yacht at the last minute to hiring a governess. American Express Centurion The fee is $2,500 annually and it's by invitation only. But, what's cooler than holding the card James Bond used in Casino Royale to secure a last minute room at an exclusive Bahamas resort? Citibank Ultima Citi has been issuing this card in the Middle East and emerging economies in Asia, including India. For about $1,200 (converted from the 50,000 Indian rupees annual fee) the card offers exclusive access to private islands and an array of elite concierge and travel assistance services. Smith Barney Chairman's Card For $400 annually, card holders can charter a private jet, get medical assistance when traveling and an assortment of other travel and personal services rewards, including a special reservation desk that will arrange your dinner meeting at exclusive restaurants in New York and Los Angeles. Merrill + Merrill offers this even to non-customers of its private client division, and depending on how much someone spends on the card, there may not be an annual fee. Perks include an array of travel, entertainment and hotel breaks, plus access to luxury spas, theatre tickets and other events. Bank Of America Accolades In addition to the travel and other services, Bank of America offers a charitable match program, in which it will match any donation up to $2,500 each year using the card, good for budding philanthropists. The card is offered to the bank's private banking and "mass affluent" customers, meaning card holders need have just $100,000 of investable assets to get a hold of one. Stratus Rewards Visa Known as the "White Card," this Visa is also by invitation only and offers cardholders points that can be redeemed for flights on private jets. It also offers concierge services like Abercrombie & Kent's Marco Polo Club and access to premium "awards-show-style" gift bags and other trendy products. Source: Forbes

Horn would you kindly provide any solid proof that half a million people died in Modadishu as a result of the TFG/ICU fighting. This is a serious claim. I don't mind being corrected. Here is my source Mogadishu clashes 'killed 1,000' BBC NEWS More than 1,000 people have been killed in recent clashes in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, according to elders from the city's main clan. ****** clan spokesman Hussein Aden Korgab also said more than 4,000 had been injured in some of the heaviest fighting in 15 years. The clashes came as the government and Ethiopian soldiers battled insurgents - both Islamists and ****** fighters. Meanwhile, Eritrea has confirmed that a Somali Islamist leader is there. The Union of Islamic Courts was driven out of Mogadishu in December by an alliance of Somalia's transitional government and Ethiopia. Eritrea, Ethiopia's regional rival, has always denied backing the Islamists but has now admitted that Islamist leader Sheikh Sharif Ahmed has held talks with President Isaias Afewerki in Asmara. "We are not all prepared to allow invaders to trample upon our sacred rights and bring us under submission," he said, according to a statement on the website of Eritrea's information ministry. Somalia has not had an effective national government for 16 years. BBC Somali service editor Yusuf Garaad says the figure of more than 1,000 dead does not come as a surprise as heavy artillery were used in residential areas during the fighting. Most of the clashes took place near the main stadium in Mogadishu and al-Kamin neighbourhood in the south of the capital, according to human rights groups. African Union troops are supposed to replace the Ethiopians "We assessed battle fields, spoke to civilians, visited hospital and areas that were affected by the clashes," Mr Korgab told the AFP news agency, explaining how the clan elders reached a figure for the number of casualties. The United Nations refugee agency says some 124,000 people have fled the city. Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer while on a visit in Somalia accused Eritrea of destabilising Somalia, by backing the insurgents. Ms Frazer who met the president and prime minister in Baidoa, called for a permanent ceasefire to be established through dialogue between the interim government and affected communities. The European Union representative in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, Eric van der Linden, has called for investigations to establish if the Ethiopian and Somali forces committed war crimes during the fighting. ****** clan elders and commanders from Ethiopian forces are expected to hold further talks on Tuesday about their implementing the ceasefire they agreed last week. But fears are high that fighting could be imminent following reports that both sides have been digging trenches in parts of the city they control. African Union (AU) troops are supposed to be replacing the Ethiopian soldiers but so far only 1,200 Ugandans have arrived, of the planned 8,000-strong force. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6540609.stm

Horn is back.

Mr Jacayl, I don't think any "informed" political junkie on this forum believes that half a million people died in the recent Mogadishu war. 1/2 a million deaths would mean half of Mogadishu is dead. That would wipe out a whole clan. Habaarka jooji waryaa. The anti-TFG Mogadishu elders have estimated the total deaths (after the Shabaabs retreated) to be around one thousand. One would expect that number itself to be "inflated" alittle for political reasons. Check SOL archives and you may find related news articles about the elders' estimate number. The shabaabs are well and kicking good out there.

These Hijabi girls have shamed their community and I hope they pay the price for terrorizing and robbing senior citizens in Sweden. Shame!

Mabruuk Shujui-1 May Allah bless you and your family. I am happy you are venturing into the happy world of marriage. Soon you will gain some weight and become Xaaji just like Norf. Bless saxiib.

"Gangsta is dead. Grime is a bore. There’s a new beat on the street and it’s called Nerdcore. This geeky hip hop subgenre, also dubbed CS rap (that’s computer science, yo!), is finally booting up with the release of Rhyme Torrents, a compilation featuring the work of more than 50 men – and even a few ladies – who bust rhymes (and C++ code). The collection is free online, so none of the artists make bank. Like all true playa MCs, they did it for the street cred. Of course, in the CS rap arena that means a Wikipedia entry, and you can’t get one of those without an official album release." Nerdcore Hip-Hop

I think it was Casharo who once told the parliamentarians; "war cawdibilaysta Jinni baa nagu dhex jiree". Of course he was talking about Jinni Boqor - coronated by the devil

Nugaal Valley is the spot.

Duke, the story is not all "garbage" as you claim. Conceivably some particulars of it may fall short of being factual but the main message is not completely cooked-up. On the Kismayo issue, Yeey hasn't stayed above the fray for he has recently vowed on public radio to "retake" the city from what he termed as "dowlad-diid", a depiction widely interpreted as hostile. We wait and see!