Hargeisa’s Entertainment Ban Revoked Following Public Outcry in North Western State of Somalia

Hargeisa (AX) — What would a city like Hargeisa be without the rhythm of its music echoing through its vibrant streets? For a fleeting moment, it seemed we might find out. The regional administration of Maroodi Jeeh stirred quite the cacophony when it initially issued a decree aimed at silencing the melodies of live music in Hargeisa. Yet, just as swiftly as the silence descended, it was uplifted. How did we get here? Let’s explore.

The initial announcement, unveiled by Governor Ahmed Mohamed Adaad on February 19, 2025, landed like a thunderbolt. Suddenly, any form of musical and entertainment gatherings at night were labeled as contraventions of both cultural and religious propriety. “Effective immediately,” the governor stated decisively, “all music performances and entertainment events in Hargeisa are prohibited, as they contradict our Islamic values and noble traditions.” Yet, it was within those declarations of tradition that an unexpected chapter unfolded.

Widespread crticism, like the chatter of restless birds, filled the air. Accusations of censorship and silencing brimmed from the social tapestry. “Why now?” questioned Ali, a local poet. He mused over tea at a corner cafe, “Isn’t our cultural fabric woven from song and story?” Haboon Nuura, a celebrated Somali singer already familiar with such discord in Mogadishu, found her much-anticipated Hargeisa performance lingering in a state of jeopardy. The news was akin to seeing a butterfly caught in a brewing storm.

Hours passed, and by dusk, another announcement was on the horizon. Governor Adaad appeared to retract the ban, likening it to a misunderstood gesture. “The initial directive was meant to uphold public decency and moral values, but it was taken out of context,” he clarified in a conversation with BBC Somali. And so, like an artist revisiting a canvas, adjustments were made. The concerts could continue, albeit under new conditions — a temperance imposed upon late-night festive expressions.

This curious reversal summoned mixed reactions. Some hailed it as a triumph of public outcry, a testament to the power of voice against authority. Others, meanwhile, found it emblematic of the inconsistent tapestry that is North Western State of Somalia governance. To Daaha Gaas, head of the Dayax Band, it resonated like an old tune playing political games. “They cut our funding because we supported the Kulmiye party during the election. This is political revenge,” Gaas mused, his voice tinged with both frustration and resilience.

In its essence, Hargeisa stands as a storied cultural epicenter—a guardian of artistic endeavors that light up the Somali-speaking world. It has borne witness to myriad festivals and performances, from sultry rhythms of traditional Danto moves to the evocative prose of timeless poets. Ask anyone who has strolled the city’s colorful avenues, and they will regale tales of music and merriment as intrinsic to the city’s pulse as the very sun that rises above.

While Governor Cadaad ensures regulations will soon govern how and when entertainment events will manifest, the contours of these rules remain shrouded in uncertainty. “The government will establish formal guidelines on how entertainment events will be conducted,” Adaad explained, envisioning a national framework meant to arbitrate future festivities.

For now, as the city’s musicians audaciously tune their instruments and fans tap their feet in anticipation, one can’t help but wonder—what melodies will they craft amidst these clouds of ambiguity? Will the specter of restrictions play an ominous undercurrent to Hargeisa’s cultural symphony, or will it bounce away, defeated by the crescendo of public spirit?

One cannot deny the relief that sweeps across Hargeisa tonight. The pendulum swings back toward vibrancy; yet, as uncertainty lurks, those same artists and patrons wonder—just how long can these notes triumph over the silence of regulation?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring