Mohamed Mooge Liban Appreciation

[Hawdian]

In the memory of the great teacher, revolutionist, Mujahid and artists of many things. AUN Mohamed Mooge Libaan. No one has had an impact on Somali music and arts like he did. As a child, he used to take me on a journey when I listen to his music while growing up in Diredawa. I always wondered about the places and subjects he sang about. For example as a kid, I wanted to know where Qatar was because of his music..."mel uu gacal ka dheeryo la yidhahdo Gadar"

I was also amazed with his knowledge of science in particular physics. For instance he talks about the phenomenon of supersonic when he uses terms such as "kuwa guuxa dhafe, galadu samese, ka gudbaya badahas..." - those that break the sound barrier aka jets. The mission to break the sound barrier truly began in the 1940s. This shows that he was well informed what was happening around the world and he was not just an average geeljire with a simple kaban.

In this song he is singing in Arabic featuring Sudan's most prominent singer at the time and one of the greatest Sudanese musician of all time, Mohammad Wardi. Regardless of the language his rhyme, mysterious voice, swagger, talent is always the same. He won the most awards in Somali music history when Somalia had proper institutions and functioning government.



This next song is based on a true story. A young teenage boy fell for this girl while the two were studying in the Sheikh Boarding school. He didn't have anything to give her nor did he have any savings to wed her. This song is about that...Adon sidan maxad siin? He asks. Somaha gacanta inta sarto dhamanada ina socoto yaabki (walk away in defeat/shame)...he says. We all love happy ending and secrecy (inago sir wada jacayl) he says but so soco oo wax ii sheg, hadi jacayl sir laga dhiigo (if they hide they love for one another) -- there will be consequences yacni foolxuma imanaysa mesha.

This song's message is defeated is more shariif than to live in a world of secrecy and temporary desire. In short, the boy was a true gentleman. When he had no material world, rather than taking advantage of the girl in that isolated exclusive world of Sheikh Boarding School, he decided to walk away isago dhamanada (cheeks) haysta.

This is one of the songs that took Mohamed Mooge to the top and made him a heavy weight. It was written by composer Ahmed Saleban Bidde (1970) and produced by Mohamed Mooge.

[Kabriid]

Ilaahay naxariista janno ha ka waraabiyo He was a family friend and a brilliant man.


A freedom fighter beyond clan allegiances.