Hadithi Adan Abdulle

Somali Musician, A Citizen of the World

This StoryMap sheds light into the life and music of Hadithi Adan Abdulle, a self-taught Somali musician who plays the oud and bongo. With the breakout of civil war occurring during his early years, Hadithi's childhood was filled with pain and suffering, but it was through music where he found both tranquility and peace in such turbulent times.

"I used to sneak out and then listen to music... I became a musician by nature."

Hadithi recounts how he became a peace activist through his music, finding voice for not only his people, but for the betterment of the world as a whole.

"Don't insist on understanding, you know, [one's own culture] be a citizen of the world." - Hadithi A. Abdulle

 “I Hano”  by Hasan A. Samatar (circa 1970)

“I Hano” is one of the earliest songs Hadithi remembers when he was first learning and exploring music in his country, Somalia. Partly raised by his older sister, he describes himself as having an “old soul” since he was exposed to music from an era different from his own.

“So I used to learn some songs from my older sister when she was washing the clothes and that's why the old music... I followed those music.” - Hadithi A. Abdulle


 “Isticmaar”  by Omar Dhuule (circa 1970)

This song touches on the colonial era division and slavery of western powers in East Africa, empowering its listeners to fight against the colonizer in order to not become enslaved once more.

"Be like Gandhi... don't be a slave within ourselves." - Hadithi A. Abdulle

 “Soomaaleey”  by Hadithi Bani-Adan (2007)

Hadithi composed “Soomaaleey” after witnessing people being killed by terrorist explosions in Mogadishu. It is an extremely emotional piece for him, moving him to tears whenever he plays it. The title means “Hey Somalis” and it recounts the events of people being killed in the name of religion.

"The more you talk about the pain, the less pain you feel. The more music you play, [the more] you play into what you're feeling, the bad energy, you release." - Hadithi A. Abdulle


 “Dagaalada”  by Hadithi Bani-Adan (2011)

“Our bleeding nation” and “the outcry of war” are loose translations of the powerful message behind this track, which touches upon the destructive effects of war on mental health and identity on an individual and national sense.

"When we flee from our land, and we are relocated... in other countries, we apparent our culture and our legacy. Our youth... are crossing the dangerous seas for better life." - Hadithi A. Abdulle

 “I am Somali”  by Hadithi Bani Adan (2012)

"I am Somali" portrays the separation of Somalis through territorial borders put in place by colonial powers. This song acts as a reminder to get rid of the colonial mindset that has been perpetuated for many years and to raise awareness that the Somali people are one.


 “Dhibaatada Waqtiga”  by Hadithi Bani-Adan (2012)

The ups and downs of life are painted in this track, “Dhibaatada Waqtiga” is also a prayer that someday things will become better for those undergoing hardship.


 “Amal”  by Hadithi Bani-Adan (2013)

This song is about reuniting and imagination, with the theme of hope illuminating its message even further. Fond of the pentatonic scale, Hadithi makes sure to add an uplifting feel, or "taste" as he would put it, to the music he plays.

"Although most of my childhood was so rough, but when I look at the bright side, the little... that I had once, was everything for me. So I had to try to look at the bright side... I tried to program my mind to be optimistic." - Hadithi A. Abdulle

 “Mama Afrika”  by Hadithi Bani-Adan (2014)

"Mama Afrika" is one of the songs that reminds Hadithi of his life in East Africa, before the outbreak of civil war.

"I feel memories, good memories... where I grew up before Civil War, it was so harmony so peaceful there was happiness, everything." - Hadithi A. Abdulle


 “Nabad”  by Hadithi Bani-Adan (2014)

"Nabad baa la rabaa" means peace is much needed. After his arrival to the United States, Hadithi was part of a small group of musicians whose backgrounds varied drastically from one another, both culturally and religiously. "Nabad" is a piece that instills peace within him, while demonstrating the connective power of music.

"Music connects people and it is... a gift from God. It's a gift. It's a pure gift from God." - Hadithi A. Abdulle

 “Adduunyadu”  composed by Mohamed A. Abdulle (Telly) and voice by Hadithi A. Abdulle (2017)

This song retells a story of material wealth and friendships. It touches on the importance of treating people with compassion and understanding, to be happy with what you have regardless of the quantity and the wants you may desire, a message that resonated deeply with Hadithi and prompted him to give life to this song.

"You don't have to respect people because of money, respect them because of their personality, the way they are." - Hadithi A. Abdulle


"Music brings people together, we're here together. It connects people, music has no border. None." - Hadithi A. Abdulle