Tributes pour in for Somali legend Amina Abdullahi Hersi

According to the singer’s family, the musician, best known for singing songs about love and patriotism, died in Borama in the Awdal region. She was a well-known figure in the Somalian arts scene, spending almost 30 years singing and acting. Her influence has endured across generations of Somalis not only because of her captivating voice but the important role her music has played in preserving Somali culture.

She was a member of the famous Waaberi band and some of her songs include ‘Daruuraha Cirkoo Shuux Soo Shubey’ and ‘Labadeena Googgaa’, which was released in the 1970s in collaboration with Hassan Adan Samatar.

The first theatrical play she participated in was Gabdhayahow Yaa Idin Leh, written by poet Abdi Qays, in which she performed her well-known song ‘Miyaan Xalayto Jiifsaday.’

Amina Abdullahi Hersi was born in Kalabaydh in the eastern Sool region of Somaliland and spent her formative years in Djibouti. In previous interviews, she often spoke about her relentless pursuit of music despite her family’s disapproval.

“They were nomadic and argued that it didn’t fit with our lifestyle,” she said. “However, I went with my passion and ignored them. I started my singing career in Hargeisa and became part of the famous national Somali troupe called Waaberi that used to perform at the Hargeisa Theatre.

“The songs and plays we performed raised awareness and carried moral messages. Some of the songs contained lyrics that only true lovers could understand. My favourite singing partner was Ahmed Ali Egal and I used to love singing with him. We had this undeniable chemistry.”

She retired from music almost a decade ago and is the mother of well-known singer Hodan Abdirahman.