Actor Yusuf Ceegaag Turns Art into Life with North Western State of Somalia Parliament Bid
There’s an intriguing intersection where the realms of art and politics collide, and it’s right there that Yusuf Abdullahi Muse steps into the spotlight. Better known by audiences as Yusuf Ceegaag, the acclaimed Somali actor has now declared his intent to transition from the fabric of fictional narratives to the tangible world of political service. For those familiar with Ceegaag’s screen work, this new development is both fascinating and perplexing. After years of interpreting the role of a fictional legislator, the actor is now vying for a real seat in the North Western State of Somalia Parliament.
In the region, few can boast the same recognition as Ceegaag. His rise to fame was anchored by compelling drama roles that mirrored the complexities and struggles within Somali society. Fiction often introduces us to realities we might not otherwise confront. Yet, life appears to be imitating art here. “Yes, I’m running,” Ceegaag confirmed unequivocally in a revealing BBC interview, undeterred by musings that this announcement might simply be his latest performance piece.
His candidacy is not only a personal milestone, but a moment laden with irony. On-screen, Ceegaag once embodied a duplicitous figure depriving his sisters of inheritance—a portrayal that prompted passionate viewer reactions. “People genuinely thought I was that character,” he reflected. “They wanted to know why I’d deny someone her rights. That’s when you realize the depth of a role’s impact.”
Responses to his political leap have been varied. Where some welcome his new endeavor with enthusiasm, others jest that perhaps he’s merely prolonging his role. Yet Ceegaag stands firm. With entertainment as his launching pad, he now wishes to wield his influence for societal good, turning the narrative into a dialogue of change.
Embarking on this journey, Ceegaag follows in the footsteps of others who transitioned from performance art to governance. The journey of Ronald Reagan from Hollywood actor to the U.S. presidency is a well-worn tale, while Arnold Schwarzenegger famously swapped his action hero persona for gubernatorial duties in California. In places like India and Ukraine, figures like Vijayakanth, Shatrughan Sinha, and Volodymyr Zelensky have made similar strides, leveraging their entertainment personas towards substantial political clout. Each of these figures exemplifies a fascinating question: Can the empathy crafted through artistic expression translate into effective leadership?
Ceegaag is more than just an artist to his audience; he has been a mirror reflecting societal truths and failures—highlighting systemic issues like inheritance disputes, gender inequities, and government corruption. His dramatization has fostered a profound connection with viewers who saw their realities mirrored in his portrayals.
In his past, his on-screen beginnings were much more humble. Rewind to his school days in North Western State of Somalia and you’d find a young Ceegaag basking in the spotlight of a school play. That very first stage served as the seedbed for a lifetime passion for storytelling. Vintage Somali dramas shaped his teenage inspirations, nurturing his vision to champion the concerns of those often unheard.
His diverse array of performances frequently graced Somali television, becoming cherished centerpieces during Ramadan. To millions, Ceegaag was emblematic of various societal sectors—from political figures to cultural touchstones—always rooted deeply in pressing social topics.
Although he dabbled in music, there’s no ambiguity where his true inclinations lie. “Singing is fun,” Ceegaag shared, “but breathing life into cultural issues through acting—that’s my true calling.”
His leap into candidacy signifies more than an individual aspiration; it embodies a cultural ethos where storytelling is both commentary and leadership. For a community often mired by the complications of clan politics and foreign influence, figures like Ceegaag command a unique form of authority—one rooted not merely in speech, but in embodiment of values.
His aim now is straightforward yet profound. By stepping into this new role, Ceegaag intends to translate his theatrical legacy into a consequential dialogue—one etched into policy, rather than penned in scripts. “I’ve captured stories,” he mentioned, “but now, I’m set on authoring a new one.”
With files from the BBC Somali Service
