Friday October 18, 2024
Renowned Somali poet Sugaal Cabdulle Cumar, known for his decades-long contributions to Somali arts, music, and theater. Credit/ SNTV
Mogadishu (HOL) — Renowned Somali poet Sugaal Abdulle was among the seven people killed in a suicide bombing at a busy tea shop near the Mogadishu Police Academy, police confirmed. Abdulle, a celebrated figure in Somali arts and a member of the Heegan Police cultural group was known for his contributions to the arts.
Sugaal Abdulle's contributions to Somali culture spanned close to four decades. He was well-known for his work as a poet, songwriter, and actor, with his influence deeply embedded in Somali music and theatre. He joined the Heegan Police cultural group early in his career, where he composed song lyrics, performed poetry, and acted in numerous plays.
Born and raised in the Mudug region, Sugaal started his artistic journey in the city of Galkayo during the golden age of Somali arts. In an interview, he once reflected on his beginnings: "I grew up in Mudug, and I used to perform traditional dances like Dhaanto. That's how I began my journey in the arts."
His talent for poetry soon brought him to the attention of the Heegan Police group, who recruited him to join their cultural division in Mogadishu.
"I was called to join Heegan while I was still in Galkayo," he once said. "The police recruited me because of my poetry, and I became a part of Heegan."
Sugaal's songwriting legacy includes many famous tracks, but none more iconic than "Leyla," a song that became a hit shortly after its release. Though it was part of a larger album, "Leyla" stood out and became widely popular.
"The night I recorded 'Leyla,' it felt like just another song, but afterward, it became a sensation," Sugaal once remarked.
He also played a major role in Somali theatre, with notable works such as Magaala-joog Xumo ("The Misfortune of City Life"), in which he was both a writer and actor.
Throughout his career, Sugaal's poetry increasingly focused on themes of nationalism and the fight against tribalism. Even during Somalia's prolonged civil conflict, he remained in the country and continued to inspire future generations through his work with the Heegan Police cultural group.
Osman Abdullahi Gure, director of the National Theatre in Mogadishu, told the BBC that Sugaal's later work emphasized unity and national pride. "He used his poetry to inspire people about patriotism. He was also an actor, a singer, and a committed police officer," Gure said.
Gure described Sugaal as a man who brought happiness to those around him. "He had a unique way of thinking, and his presence always lifted the spirits of those he interacted with."
- With files from the BBC Service