Sugaal Cabdulle Cumar shines brightly as a Somali poetry icon, making waves in arts, tunes, and stagecraft over the years. Credit/ SNTV
Mogadishu (AX) — Sugaal Abdulle’s tragic demise in a suicide bombing at a buzzing tea spot by Mogadishu Police Academy has been confirmed by authorities. An unforgettable voice in Somali arts, he wove magic with Heegan Police’s cultural ensemble.
Stretching three decades and more, Abdulle fueled Somali culture with his art. Beyond penning verses, he was a talented songwriter and actor, leaving an indelible mark on music and stage. The Heegan Police cultural troupe snapped him up early, where he spun stories, crafted songs, and brought characters to life.
A native of Mudug, Sugaal’s artistic flame was first kindled in Galkayo. During the glory days of Somali creativity, he reminisced, “My roots in Mudug saw me whirl in Dhaanto dances. That’s where the spark caught fire.”
His poetic prowess soon caught Heegan Police’s eye, luring him to their cultural fold in Mogadishu.
He reflected, “Heegan beckoned me while I still tread the sands of Galkayo. They snagged me for my verse, welcoming me into their midst.”
“Leyla,” one of his standout tunes, stands head and shoulders above, becoming a household favorite. Part of a wider collection, “Leyla” swiftly captured the collective heart.
Sugaal mused, “Recording ‘Leyla’ felt like any other late-night jam session, but it morphed into a banger!”
A heavyweight in theater, his writings and role in works like Magaala-joog Xumo (“City Life’s Misfortunes”) were both profound and vibrant.
Suss themes of nationalism and tribal discord slowly took the stage in Sugaal’s compelling poetry. Sticking it out through Somalia’s tumultuous civil woes, he continued inspiring budding minds with Heegan’s ensemble.
Osman Abdullahi Gure, helming the National Theatre in Mogadishu, shared with BBC how Sugaal’s latter creations underscored unity and pride. “Patriotism was at his core; through poetic phrases, he stirred souls. His heart was an actor’s, a singer’s, and a devout cop’s,” Gure commended.
Gure couldn’t help but highlight his joyful aura, “He was a rare gem in how he thought. His mere presence was sheer sunshine.”
— With files from the BBC Service
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
