Somali Singer Hodan Africa and daughter die in Mayotte boat tragedy

A Somali singer, Hodan Africa, and her daughter have died in a tragic shipwreck off the coast of the French territory of Mayotte.

Reports from friends and local media confirmed that the artist, who was sometimes based in Nairobi, and her child were among fifteen people who lost their lives when a small boat carrying sixteen passengers capsized near the island.

Authorities in Mayotte have not released an official statement on the cause of the accident. However, preliminary information suggests that the vessel was travelling toward the French-administered territory when it overturned.

Only one passenger survived the incident, while the rest, including Hodan and her daughter, drowned.

Local rescue teams retrieved the bodies from the water, and recovery efforts continued as authorities sought to identify all the victims. The overcrowded nature of the boat and the dangerous sea conditions are believed to have contributed to the disaster.

Hodan had been living in Nairobi for several years, where she established herself as a Somali musician and performer. Her songs were popular among the Somali community both in Kenya and abroad, often shared widely on social media platforms.

Her music explored themes of love, social life, and the shared experiences of Somalis living in the diaspora. She performed in community events, weddings, and concerts across Kenya, Somalia, and other countries with large Somali populations.

News of her death spread quickly across online platforms. Friends, fans, and fellow artists expressed grief and disbelief, describing her as a talented performer whose music united people across borders.

Somali musicians in Nairobi, Mogadishu and other parts of the world shared tributes and clips of her songs, while others recounted personal memories of their interactions.

On social media, messages of condolence poured in from around the world. Many said her passing had left a deep void in the Somali music industry.

Online discussions reflected not only sadness but also growing concern about the rising number of tragedies involving migrants and travellers using unsafe boats across the seas.

The Mayotte tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by illegal immigrants who risk their lives at sea in search of better opportunities.

The French territory, located between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique, is a frequent destination for migrants from the Comoros Islands and nearby regions such as Somalia who attempt to enter the island illegally.

These journeys are often made in overcrowded wooden or plastic boats that lack safety measures. Strong ocean currents and unstable weather make the crossing particularly dangerous.

In recent years, many migrants, including Somalis, have died in similar circumstances. In July 2024, at least twenty people, most of them from the Horn of Africa, drowned when their boat capsized while trying to reach Mayotte from Anjouan.

Other Topics To Read

• Somalia
• Somali Community
• Somali Musician
• Boat Capsizes
• immigrants
• Mayotte
• Hodan Africa
• Somali Singer Hodan Africa and daughter die in Mayotte boat tragedy
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Earlier in the year, another incident claimed the lives of more than thirty migrants off the Comoros coast. Many of the victims were reported to be young men and women fleeing poverty and insecurity, hoping to reach territories under French administration for a better life.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that unsafe migration routes across the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea continue to take lives.

Despite frequent patrols and rescue efforts by French and Comorian authorities, smugglers continue to transport people in unseaworthy boats.