It is not uncommon for our younger Somali generation that have grown up in the western world to listen to western music and shy away from Somali music. Why is this?

Language Barrier

One of the main reasons is that the younger generation who have grown up in western countries do not have a good grasp of the Somali language. This in itself is a problem which may lie with the parents but because of this language barrier it will be hard for them to listen to Somali music and to understand the lyrics.

Why would anyone listen to something that they do not understand? Simply put, they wouldn’t.


Furthermore, our younger generation may not have adequate exposure to Somali music. If one does not come into contact with Somali music then what is the probability that they will listen to Somali music. Zero, would be the probability. Do our younger generation even know where to find Somali music? Is it easily accessible?

Even if it is accessible it does not necessarily mean they will opt for it.


Maybe there are not enough Somali musicians and singers that the younger generation can relate to. I mean only the older generation will understand and appreciate legendary singers such as Mohamed Suleman Tubeec , Mohammed Mooge Liibaan and Halimo Magool. Do we expect the younger generation to relate to these singers?

Firstly, there is a large age gap, so large that some teenagers were not even born when these singers were in their prime. Secondly, the topic of the songs, again, may not be something that the younger generation can relate to.

However, we do have new talent that the younger generation should be listening to such Aar Maanta , but it’s sad to say that they are listening to other things. This does not mean they should be listening to only Somali music but to at least have some dose of Somali music!


How do we address this? This problem of our younger generation listening to western music and not Somali music is a problem that shouldn’t be brushed under the carpet as it is inherently telling us that there is deeper underlying problem which can dramatically impact Somali culture and tradition in the near future.

What can be done to address this problem?

7 Responses to “Why do our younger generation prefer non-somali music?”

  1. Pwincesslatifa
    22 November 2010 at 11:30 pm #

    lol. well just send them back 2 somalia. SIMPLE

    • admin
      23 November 2010 at 7:22 pm #

      That is an idea, sending them back to somewhere they can immerse themselves in the Somali language.

      I think some may see that as a punishment!

  2. Maggie
    29 November 2010 at 3:00 am #

    Hello SomaliMusic,
    The only Somali musician I knew was K’Naan until I saw your lovely video of Aar Maanta in Hayes Shopping Centre.
    Are there others like them?
    It seems to me that young people want to be part of their peer group, to fit in and that means they like hip hop, RnB, soul, house, reggae……………..
    Do you know any of the music they like? Do you like any of it?

    Another thing I thought of…………….in a number of African countries there is a very strong modern music scene eg Nigeria, Ivory coast, South Africa, even Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya. The common denominator is hip hop and RnB so those who live here can relate to it.
    AS a grandmother myself I know that all parents are ‘old-fashioned’ in our children’s eyes so it’s hard for them to like anything we hold dear!!! Maggie

    • admin
      4 December 2010 at 10:37 pm #

      Hi Maggie,

      I agree, the common denominator seems to be hip hop and RnB – I wonder why that is?!

      I am not sure of the music they like but Aar Maanta is the only that comes close to Knaan but he sings in Somali. If Aar Maanta sang in English (and hence a larger market) – I’m sure he would surpass Knaan but I believe his passion is to foster the love of tradition and culture in young Somali kids.

  3. Strictly Music
    1 December 2010 at 7:13 pm # this for a of you

  4. amira
    21 January 2011 at 9:02 pm #

    Hello Somalimusic i am a Somaligirl Born in Germany i am 17 jahrs old i speak Somali I love Somalimusic

    • admin
      21 January 2011 at 9:51 pm #

      Hi Amira,

      Thank you for your comment and I am glad to hear you like Somali Music. It is important to stay with our culture no matter what. Otherwise, we will forget where we came from!