The poetry of Somalia

Anyone who has come into contact with Somali culture will be aware of the central role poetry plays in that culture. For as long as we know, poetry has been the core form of cultural expression and is the basis upon which some other forms have been developed, in particular Somali theatre. Traditional life in the eastern Horn of Africa, where the Somalis live, has poetry woven into its fabric. Many of the day-to-day tasks which people carry out in the countryside have poetry associated with them in the form of work songs, each type with its own metrical structure and associated tunes. A young girl might sing songs about the sheep and goats she is tending, weaving into such a song her feelings for the animals and what they mean to her family; a young man may praise his camels in a watering song, a woman tease her neighbour in a matweaving song and so on. Many such worksongs are of common heritage, but it is also the case that people compose their own lyrics reflecting concerns and events in their lives

While Somalia has a long musical and artistic tradition, the Somalis are most famous for being a nation of poets. Oral poetry is central to Somali life. The alliterative, highly metaphorical Somali verse form is used for communication, for preserving history and commenting on current events. Clans use poetry in reconciliation meetings; the government hires poets to praise its achievements, while the opposition uses poems for its critique.

Many Somalis can recite poems that are centuries old. Poetic combat oral contests between competing poets have always been a feature of Somali life. Traditionally, men and women have had separate poetic traditions, and only men gained prestige and political power through their skill in poetry. However, women have recently begun to compete with men in these contests. One of the most famous literary figures in Somalia is Mohammed ’Abdille Hasan, who was also a warrior and political figure.

Since the 20th century, Somalia has also produced authors who write in English, French or Italian for their works. Nurudin Farah, an acclaimed English-language novelist, writes about Somalia and connects the mythical with the local in his work. The poet and playwright Mohamed Warsame Ibrahim was jailed during the Barré regime for his politically critical writings.

DABAHUWAN (constrained)This following poem shows the richness of Somali oral culture.

- Markay dani meeday tidhi
When need required
- Maxaan talo meel ka dayey
I looked wisdom for every place
- markay dani maaha tidhi
When need denied
- Weydiiyey qof meel ka dayey
I asked a fellow who before me sought counsel.
- Markay dani maaha tidhi
When need denied again
- Ku laabtay halkaan ka dayey
I returned to where I searched before
- Markay dani maaha tidhi
When need denied again
- Ka sii dayey meel la dayey
I searched once more where others failed
- maxay doqonimmo I tidhi
when imbecility whispered to me
- Ruuxaan jirin raad ku doon
Track down a spectre
- Intaan isku duubay been
I embraced falsehood
- ka buuxsaday labada dacal
Stuffing it in my inside pockets
- maxay runi daadi tidhi
then the truth assured me to discard it
- waxaan duluc sii ridnayn
how often a trivial theme
- Indhuhu ku daraandareen
My eyes owe-inspired did shine
- Maxaan dogob beer is idhi
I even transplanted a piece of dead wood
- daruuro u soo sasabay
Begging the clouds to rain
- daryeelka ku maal is idhi
to nurture myself with its fruit
- biyuhu uga sii dareen
but the water made matters worse.