Eastleigh

International Somali music, dance show comes to Eastleigh

The group from Jigjiga, Ethiopia, which is in Nairobi for a dhaanto music and dance show set for February 24, 2024. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Thursday, February 22, 2024

Local Kenyan musicians and dhaanto singers like Abwaan Cayn and Hassan Gantal will also grace the stage, promising an evening filled with vibrant performances and cultural exchange.

Eastleigh, Nairobi, is gearing up for an international traditional music and dance show this Saturday, featuring a group of renowned Somali singers who recently arrived in the city.

Originating from Jigjiga, the Somali region headquarters in Ethiopia, the group comprises four men and two women who are set to enthral audiences with their showcase.

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Adding to the lineup, local Kenyan musicians and dhaanto singers like Abwaan Cayn and Hassan Gantal will also grace the stage, promising an evening filled with vibrant performances and cultural exchange.

In an exclusive interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Bishar Awal, one of the dhaanto singers, expressed his delight at the warm reception received in Nairobi.

"Nairobi is a wonderful place for any Somali musician as the community here wholeheartedly supports the arts," he remarked.

Bishar further praised the hospitality of both Somalis and Eastleigh residents, emphasising his fondness for the city.

"I must say people here are wonderful, and I have enjoyed my time here immensely," he added.

Echoing Bishar's sentiments, Zainab Muhammad, another member of the group, lauded Kenya's diverse tourist attractions, noting the stark contrast with her own country.

"Kenya is blessed with amazing tourist attraction sites, something not readily available in my country," she said.

Zainab also expressed her anticipation to sample Kenya's culinary delights, ugali and other traditional dishes in particular.

"Ugali is something I am looking forward to tasting," she said.

Eastleigh boasts a vibrant community of Somali musicians, with household names like Rasmi Rays, Iidle Yare, and Shaadiyo Sharaf calling the neighbourhood home. The internationally acclaimed Waayaha Cusub band also traces its roots back to Eastleigh, further cementing the area's reputation as a hub for Somali cultural expression.

The much-anticipated dhaanto show will take place at Paradise Hall starting from 7 pm on Saturday.

With a lineup of talented performers and the promise of cultural immersion, the event is expected to draw crowds from both the local Somali community and Nairobi's diverse population, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the Somalis and fostering cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.