Muhamad Yusuf Abdi (1940-2008)

Hargeysa, January 12, 2008 (SL Times) – On Thursday, Somaliland state and government officials, traditional and religious leaders, prominent musicians, artists and a large number of people took part in the funeral of Muhamad Yusuf Abdi, the legendary singer and actor who died at his family home in Hargeysa, on Tuesday, from a short illness.

Muhamad Yusuf Abdi was not only loved for his musical talent and showmanship but was also greatly held in respect by the Somali people for his pious and strong religious beliefs which he held throughout in his long musical career.

Muhamad Yusuf was hospitalised for a short time in Hargeysa General Hospital before his health suddenly deteriorated. He died at home, surrounded by his family members.

Muhamad Yusuf Abdi (1940-2008)

Muhamad Yusuf was born 1940 in Laleys village in Sheikh District and went to school in Berbera and from there went on to travel and work in Aden, Yemen.

It was 1958, as a young man, Muhamad Yusuf returned to Somaliland and joined the acclaimed ‘Walaalaha Hargeysa’ musical/theatrical group. Muhamad Yusuf travelled and performed in his long and illustrious musical career to more than 30 countries world wide.

Muhamad Yusuf took part in the struggle for independence from the British and sung in the Independence Day ceremony on 26 June 1960. He also took an active part in the SNM war against Siyad Barre’s regime during the 1980’s. He was a prominent Somaliland figure, and contributed to reconciling Somaliland’s clans who fought each other soon after the rebirth of Somaliland in the early turbulent 90’s.

Muhamad Yusuf’s art broke language barriers and his songs were loved even by non-Somalis, particularly Ethiopians and Sudanese

Muhamad Yusuf Abdi left behind three wives and 35 family members, including sons, daughters and their offspring.

Muhamad Yusuf Abdi will be greatly missed by all. May Allah (SWT) rest his soul in eternal peace and mercy and grant his family, friends, associates and admirers spiritual strength for the loss of this great man and son of Somaliland......Amin

Source: Somaliland Times