According to government media, renowned Somali musician Omar Hassan Rooraaye died Saturday afternoon in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s administrative capital. Rooraaye has lived in Hargeisa for the last 30 years.
Rooraaye began his musical career in 1965 as a member of the Xoga Dalka band. He later joined the renowned Waaberi band before becoming a member of the elite Waabari band in 1974.
Rooraaye participated in various theatrical productions and wrote many memorable songs, including “Wiil Waal,” “Dhirtu kala udgoon badan,” “Maxaa ii dane aan dooniye adi iiga daran,” and “Talo Mudan,” among others. His song has touched many people’s emotions and is regarded as an important element of Somali cultural heritage.
Khadra Dahir Cige, Amina Abdullahi, Zainab Haji Ali Bahsan, Halima Khalifa Omar Magool, and Sahra Siad were among the great female artists with whom he cooperated.
Rooraaye’s career spans over 50 years, with the 1970s and 1980s being his most successful years.
His death came barely one month after the loss of another talented female vocalist with whom Rooraaye had collaborated, Amina Abdullahi Hersi. Hersi died in Borama, Somaliland’s Awdal area.
Hersi spent nearly three decades of her life singing and doing humor for the Somali people, appearing in innumerable shows and making substantial contributions to Somali culture and entertainment.