Somali Culture
The varied cultural life of the Somali includes both traditional activities and,
especially in the towns, many modern interests.
Cultural activities primarily consist of poetry, folk dancing, the performance of
plays, and singing. These traditional activities still retain their importance,
especially in rural areas, and are practiced not only at family and religious celebrations
but also at state ceremonies. On such occasions traditional local costume is generally
worn.
Especially in the towns, traditional culture is rapidly being superseded by imported
modern influences, such as television and videotapes, cinema, and bars and restaurants.
Urban Somalian cooking has been strongly influenced by Italian cuisine, and young
townspeople are much influenced by Western fashion in the way they dress. Football
(soccer) is a very popular sport.
There are many famous Somali artists, poets, musicians, actors, and dancers, some
of whom live in exile. Nuruddin Farah, whose novels are written in English, has
achieved international fame.
Somalia produced a large amount of literature through Islamic poetry and Hadith
from Somali scholars of the last centuries. With the adoption of the Latin alphabet
in 1973 numerous Somali authors have released books over the years which received
widespread success, Nuruddin Farah being one of them. Novels like From a Crooked
Rib and Links are considered important literary achievements which earned him the
1998 Neustadt International Prize for Literature.
Cultural institutions in Mogadishu are the National Museum , the new Historical
Museum , and the National Theatre. The Somali Academy of Sciences and Arts promotes
research on Somalia .
Somalia has the distinction of being one of only a handful of African countries
that are composed almost entirely of one ethnic group, the Somalis. Traditional
bands like Waaberi Horseed have gained a small following outside the country. There
are two bands of Somali Jareer in Jilib District Shanbara and Shimama. Others, like
Maryam Mursal, have fused Somali traditional music with rock, bossa nova, hip hop,
and jazz influences. Most Somali music is love orientated.
Toronto where a sizable Somali community exists replaced Mogadishu (because of the
instability) as the centre of the Somali music industry, which is also present in
London, Minneapolis, and Columbus. One popular musician from the Somali diaspora
is K'naan, a young rapper from Toronto, whose songs talk about the struggles of
life in Somalia during the outbreak of the civil war.
Media of Somalia
Somalia 's disintegration is reflected in its media, which is undeveloped, fragmented
and often partisan. Broadcasters and journalists operate in an atmosphere which
is hostile to free expression, and often dangerous.
Journalists defy danger to serve their audiences. In spite of this, diverse and
more professional media outlets have emerged in recent years - in particular, FM
radio stations with no explicit factional links.
The TV and press sectors are weak and radio is the dominant medium. There are around
20 radio stations, but no national, domestic broadcaster. Many listeners tune to
Somali-language media based abroad, in particular the BBC Somali service.
In secessionist Somaliland and Puntland the authorities maintain a tight hold on
broadcasting.
The press
Qaran - Mogadishu
Xog-Ogaal - Mogadishu
Codka Xoriyadda - Mogadishu
Ayaamaha - Mogadishu
Jamhuuriya - Somaliland
Mandeeq - Somaliland
Somaliland Times - Somaliland , English-language weekly
Television
Universal TV - Private, UK-based
Somali Telemedia Network (STN) - Private, rebroadcasts Qatar-based
HornAfrik TV - Private, rebroadcasts Al-Jazeera, CNN
Somaliland National TV (SLNTV) - owned by Somaliland government
Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) - private, Puntland
Radio
Radio Mogadishu - FM station operated by transitional government, coverage limited
to the' capitalRadioHornAfrik - Popular private FM station based inMogadishu , rebroadcasts
BBC. Radio Shabelle - Private FM station in Mogadishu, Marka
Radio Banaadir - Private, Mogadishu-based FM station
Holy Koran Radio - Private, Mogadishu FM station
Radio Simba - Private, Mogadishu
Radio Hargeisa - Owned by Somaliland government, via FM and shortwave
Radio Galkayo - Puntland
Voice of Peace - Puntland
SBC Radio - Private, Puntland
Websites (Uncountable) most of those sites are managed Somalis overseas
Dayniile.com - Private, organized by Somalis in Sweden
Hiiraan.com - Private, organized by Somalis in Ottawa – Canada
Shabelle.net - Private, organized by Somalis in (no data)
Markacadeey.com - Private, organized by Somalis in Ottawa – Canada
Midnimo.com - Private, organized by Somalis in Netherlands
Allpuntland.com - Private, organized by Somalis in (no data)
Aminarts.com - Private, organized by Somalis in Montreal – Canada
Wardheernews.com - Private, organized by Somalis in CA– USA
Waagacusub.com - Private, organized by Somalis in – Canada
Somalilandtoday.net- Private, organized by Somalis in London – UK
Kubadda.com - Private, organized by Somalis in London – UK
Somsports.com - Private, organized by Somalis in Finland
Cayaaraha.com - Private, organized by Somalis in London – UK
Researched by: M Hussein
Kubadda.com