A Leading Somali Singer Passes Away in Germany

[Deeq A.]

Bonn (PP News Desk) — Abdi Ali Ba’alwaan, a Somali singer and actor, died in a hospital in Germany, of Covid-19, according to members of his family.

The Somali Minister for Information Osman Abokor Dubbe sent a message of condolence to the family of Ba’alwan. Dubbe remarked on the contribution of the late singer to Somali arts.

Ba’alwaan will always be remembered for his contribution to Somalia arts

Ba’always was born during the first half 1940s in Wardheer, a district in the Somali region of Ethiopia. He moved to Mogadishu where he joined the Somali Army troupe (Xoogga). In 1971 he joined Waaberi (Dawn) troupe of the Information Ministry.

Ba’alwan acted in popular plays including Bad Jaceyl Badanaa, Jinni iyo Jaceyl, Xuskii Jaceylka and Dab Jaceyl Kari Waa. His acting skills and vocalist’s voice entertained several Somali generations for five decades.

Ba’alwan performing at the Somali National Theatre

In 2019 he paid a visit to Mogadishu where members of Waaberi troupe welcomed him warmly. He sought refuge in Kenya following the collapse of the state in 1991.

He song adigoon tacliin baran caashaqan ku dhaawacay (falling in love without going to school) was a morning fixture in the Radio Mogadishu morning programme.

Ba’alwaan had a sense of humour and always deplored how the state collapse affected the arts. “Arts cannot flourish without a state” he told reporter while reminiscing about arts festivals he participated in several African and Middle Eastern countries.

© Puntland Post, 2020

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