Ahmed Ismail Hussein Hudeydi, considered one of the founders of modern Somali music, has died in London at the age of 92 after contracting Covid-19.
Known as “the King of Oud” – the instrument that he played – Hudeydi became a key figure “during the anti-colonial movement and decolonisation period” in Somalia, said Hanna Ali, director of the London-based Kayd Somali arts organisation.
“In short, his music embodied the sound of the long struggle to freedom and independence,” she added in a statement.
Social embed from twitter
Today the Somali community around the world has lost a hero – Ahmed Ismail Hussein Hudeydi – one of the founding fathers of modern Somali music lost to covid19. I am utterly devastated. إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
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He was born in the port city of Berbera in 1928 and then grew up in Yemen but returned home as a young adult, Ms Ali said.
He moved to London in the 1990s during the civil war in Somalia.
Writer Nadifa Mohamed is quoted as saying that he transcribed the “independence journey into music and poetry”.
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Nadifa Mohamed@thesailorsgirl ·
‘Oh soul, go run to your homeland, and look for it where you once knew it.’
Ahmed Ismail Hussein ‘Hudeidi’
1928-2020
We are all devastated.
On the 15th Sha’ban when god descends to the lowest heaven, Hudeidi has ascended up.
He deserved a better death than this, isolated and alone because of Covid, but we will all celebrate his huge life force with everything we have.
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Others have also been sharing condolence messages to “one of the greatest Somali musicians of all time”:
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Inaalilaahi waa Inaa Ileyhi Raajicuun.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Ahmed I Hussein ‘Hudeydi’ – one of the greatest Somali musicians of all time; AKA The King of Oud. My deepest condolences to Hudeydi’s family, fans, Somalis across the world,& his fellow Somali artists.
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Somali’s music legend Ahmed Ismail Hudeydi has died for Covid-19 in UK. One of the fathers of Somali music ,trainer Hudiedi born in 1928 had started playing music at the age of 20 while he was a young boy.Allah may grant him Jannah and condolance to family and friends.#Somalia
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