Tuesday December 31, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Luul Jeylaani Ali, one of Somalia’s most celebrated singers and a cherished icon of Somali music, has passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She died on Monday night after battling a long illness, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of Somali music and culture.
News of Jeylaani’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the Somali diaspora. Artists, politicians, and fans alike mourned her passing, celebrating her as a trailblazer whose voice captured the heart of a nation and embodied the soul of Somali artistry.
Best known for her contributions to Banaadiri music, Jeylaani captivated audiences with timeless hits such as Ebadkaa Ogow Ishaada Meesha U Roon, Riixaanta Janaad, and Beerkaad Iiga Taalla. Her songs, often marked by hauntingly beautiful melodies and evocative lyrics, remain cultural touchstones treasured by Somalis worldwide.
Jeylaani was also known for her collaborations with other prominent musicians, including Aweys Qamiis, Ahmed Naajid Saad, and Ahmed Falaash. Her commanding voice, often described as unparalleled, made her a standout in Somalia’s rich musical history.
Born in Somalia, Jeylaani rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a household name through her prolific recordings and performances. However, like many artists, she fled the country in the early 1990s following the collapse of Somalia’s central government, settling abroad. In 2018, she returned home, a moment celebrated as a powerful symbol of resilience and reconnection for a nation still recovering from decades of conflict