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Hip Hop in Somalia
The Somali people have for long been more or less nomadic, but in recent years they have spread all over the globe, since the Somali state was falling apart and became a dangerous place to stay. In the USA and other countries, there's quite a large Somali community and children were born there that haven't yet set foot on the motherland.
Hip hop is quite popular with the kids in these communities and recently we heard of a number of artists that have caused a stir worldwide, all the way back to their country of origin.
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Somali cyber battles
In Somali culture, poetry has been in use for ages to comment on war and disagreements. No wonder there's so many Somali origin battle rhymers in cyber space. Now here's your chance to catch some of the best battles.
In Somalinet's Forum pages, check out the section titled 'Somali Literature - Suugaanta iyo Fanka'. It's in fact host to a number of battles going on between Somali origin emcees in Europe and America. Most is in English so it's easy to follow. Interestingly, the board automatically wipes out all curses AND references to tribal or clan origin, so as to prevent serious clashes.
Stay tuned for more Somali hip hop updates.
> Somalinet Forums
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Keinaan
Solo
Cd album: What next? (April 2000)
Keinaan has been outside of Somalia for long, and his lyrics reflect his life as a refugee: "I try to reflect on the things that I know my people went through, ain’t no sense in jumping on the bandwagon, I'm an individual and that ought to be enough" (quote from Afrofest, Canada). The title of his first cd 'What next' reflects the choices that Somalia and its people have to make now, after the fighting and with so many of them trying to make a living abroad.
Keinaan has been quite popular with the Somali communities worldwide, performing in many places around the globe. Check out his website where you can order the album, and take a look at the guestbook to see how popular he really is.