THE KING OF OUD PASSES AWAY IN LONDON

[Deeq A.]

London (PP ) — The legendary Somali oud player and song writer Ahmed Ismail Hussein ( Hudeidi) passed away today in London, aged 92. Born in Aden in 1928, Hudeidi arrived in Somalia early 1960s to continue an artistic endeavour he had started in Aden, then known as the Crown Colony.

Hudeidi with the novelist Nadifa Mohamed in Hargeisa

His signature oud style enriched the songs of countless singers, deservedly earning him the appellation Boqorka Cuudka (The King of Oud). His contemporaries include the late Abdullahi Qarshe whom Hudeidi, in a 1993 interview, credited with “teaching me how to play the lute”.

The last concert in honour of Hudeidi

In February 2020 Ayan Mohamoud MBE organised an event to honour Hudeidi for his artistic contribution to the Somali culture. The concert featured songs, speeches and anecdotes about Hudeidi, some of whose students at the event vowed to carry on promotion of the Somali culture. Prominent Somali singers including Fadumo Abdllahi Kahin, Khadija Qalanjo, Sir Mohmud, and Murtiile attended the event. Hudeidi wrote many patriotic songs.

Somaliland President Mr Muse Bihi Abdi and the Chairman of Waddani Party have sent a message of condolence to the family of  Hudeidi.

© Puntland Post, 2020  

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