Puntland singer makes waves on social media despite sicknesses, lack of romance
By Abdirahman Khalif |
Nuuradin Sugaal, aka Owliyo, says he is "just a sick man" who has never been in love, but has moved many with his romantic songs.
Nuuradin Sugaal, better known as Owliyo, is a social media sensation who captivates thousands with soulful romantic melodies despite battling serious illnesses and never having experienced love.
He has no social media presence but has gained many fans on platforms, including TikTok, following the recording and posting of his performances by content creators who encounter him.
Owliyo's journey to fame began just two weeks ago when a TikToker recorded him on the streets of Puntland, singing a popular Somali song originally by legendary musician Binti Omar.
Since then, his videos have spread like wildfire, some garnering millions of views, even as content creators capture more of his performances and share them, causing them to quickly go viral.
Owliyo has also been receiving complimentary meals and presents from creatives, who encourage him to sing for them in exchange for content.
What sets him apart is not only his melodious voice but also his choice of songs; he has gravitated towards old Somali love ballads that resonate deeply with his audience.
Puntland singer Nuuradin Sugaal, better known as Owliyo, is pictured at their home on May 12, 2024, ahead of an interview with the media. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
'No love, no partner'
Owliyo's passion for love songs strikes a chord with viewers, who find it hard to believe that a man in his condition can still be drawn to romantic tunes.
He has been battling with a weak nervous system for many years and has neither experienced love nor had a partner.
"I have never been in love. I am just a sick man," he told journalists in an interview on Sunday at their home in Somalia's Puntland State.
Living with his mother and eight siblings who are also sick, Owliyo's daily routine involves helping with household chores, such as buying groceries from the market, where he was first discovered. He is also responsible for looking for food for the family.
One day, while walking home from the market, a content creator approached Owliyo, asking him to sing, as a joke. Without hesitation, he did, a moment the TikToker captured on video and shared on the platform.
The video quickly gained popularity, prompting other users of the social media platform to look for Owliyo and ask him for more recordings, which is how he became a sensation, at first without an account.
Mubarak Sugal, brother of Puntland singer Nuuradin Sugaal, aka Owliyo, is pictured at their home on May 12, 2024, during an interview with the media. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Other challenges
According to Owliyo's elder brother, Mubarak Sugal, he also suffers from epilepsy and sometimes has fits while running errands.
"He has been brought home several times by well-wishers after fainting on the streets," said Mubarak.
Despite these challenges, Owliyo is described as a hardworking individual who faces life with unwavering determination.
"But he is a hardworking guy who faces life with determination," noted the brother.
The family leads a humble life, relying on the generosity of neighbours for support and their daily upkeep.
Owliyo hopes he will one day get help with medical care.
"Do you know what I want? All I want is to be helped to get medical attention," he said.
Efforts to support Owliyo are underway, with initiatives launched to raise funds and support his treatment.
They include the receipt of donations - his family has shared the phone number 0907384351 through which well-wishers can contact them and make contributions.
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