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PEOPLE & PLACES
K'Naan – Somali Rapper/ Troubadour
Somalia is known for its rich history in literature and poets. Margaret Laurence, a famous Canadian novelist, called Somalia "a nation of poets."
K’naan (Keinan Abdi Warsame) is a famous poet/rapper/troubadour from Somalia whose song Wavin’ Flag is known around the world. It was the Official 2010 Olympics Song, the official FIFA 2010 World Cup Anthem, and was also recorded to raise money for Haiti.
K’naan lived in Somalia until age 13, when he and his family were forced to flee the civil war. K’naan now lives in Canada, but continues to support the people of Somalia. K'naan comes from a family of poets--his aunt is a famous Somali singer and his grandfather is a poet.
Laas Geel -- Ancient Cave Paintings
In Somaliland in northern Somalia, there are caves with rock paintings that date as far back as 9000 BC. Discovered only in 2002, these remarkable, colourful drawings depict everyday Somali life and ceremonies.
There is now a call for UNESCO to protect this unique site.
Xalwo Recipe
Xalwo (also called Halwo or Halva) is a sweet confection made out of sugar, cornstarch, cardamom, nutmeg, ghee and optional peanuts. It is eaten at special occasions like weddings. The following link will bring you to a page that shows you how to make your own Xalwo dish. MAKE IT!
Nuruddin Farrah – Future Literature Laureate?
Another famous Somali writer is Nuruddin Farrah, a name that is often mentioned to be a Nobel Prize winner for Literature in the near future. Nurrudin was born in Somalia, educated in India, and is famous for his 'Blood in the Sun' trilogy. From this trilogy the second book 'Gifts' received several awards, including Best Novel Award in Zimbabwe and St. Malo Literary Festival Award in France. Also this book made Nurrudin a selected Neustadt laureate in 1998.
In 1978, during one of his book tours, Farrah was warned that the Somali government wanted to arrest him over the content of his book 'A Naked Needle' which explores the relationships of Somali men and women with Westerners. He did not return to Somalia for twenty years. During this time he taught in the United States, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Sudan, and India. Now he lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with his wife and children.
Nurrudin Farrah – Future Literature Laureate?
Ayaan Hirsi Ali – Author, Politician
Ayaan Hirsh Ali jumped onto the international stage, and into controvery, with the 2007 publication of her memoir, Infidel. She writes about life as a girl in wartorn Somalia, and as a refugee in Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Kenya. Her book, speeches and activism have brought death threats from Islamist fundamentalists as she decries female circumcision, male-domination, and the injustices of Somali Islamic practices.
She became a member of Parliament in The Netherlands, currently lives and works in the United States, and fights to protect the rights of women and girls from oppression justified by religion and culture.
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