Saturday March 15, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — For decades, Sheikh Abdirahman Sheekh Dandaawi has been a leading figure in Qasaa'id recitations, delivering poetic hymns praising the Prophet Muhammad and spiritual songs during Ramadan and Mawlid celebrations.
From his Maqaam gathering place in Karte Seet, Djibouti, Dandaawi has cultivated a spiritual tradition passed down through generations. Now, he is preparing to hand over the mantle to his son, ensuring that the art of Qasaa'id recitation remains alive for future generations.
Dandaawi formally began leading Qasaa'id sessions in 1999, the same year Ismaïl Omar Guelleh took office as president of Djibouti. However, his connection to the tradition dates back much further.
"Our Maqaam has existed for 80 years. My father led it before me, learning from Sheikh Jaama of Dire Dawa. He moved from Dire Dawa to Djibouti, and we settled here in 1977. I took over in 1992," he explained.
Dandaawi, who grew up immersed in Qasaa'id recitations, now watches as his own son follows the same path, much as he once did with his father.
"My son is ready. He has learned my compositions and is now undergoing training to perfect them," Dandaawi said.
Dandaawi describes the melodic structure of Qasaa'id as an evolution of Somali poetic chants influenced by generations of tradition.
"Our ancestors developed the foundation. They sang in Siigaad, a style we later refined into what we use today," he said.
Among the most widely recognized recitations are the verses:
"Yaa Nabii Salaam Calayka, Yaa Rasuul Salaam Calayka, Yaa Xabiib Salaam Calayka, Salawaatulaa Calayka."
Which translates to:
"O Prophet, peace be upon you. O Messenger, peace be upon you. O Beloved, peace be upon you. Blessings of Allah be upon you."
Djibouti's Qasaa'id tradition has also been shaped by celebrated poets and composers, including Mohamud "Daa'uus," Dr. Ababe, and the prominent lyricist Abdiqeys.
For many in Djibouti and beyond, Qasaa'id is more than just a performance—it is a deeply rooted religious tradition, particularly during Ramadan and Mawlid celebrations.
"During Ramadan, people in Djibouti listen to Qasaa'id, whether from me or my colleague Omar Aadan Bogsiiye," Dandaawi said.
Beyond Qasaa'id, his Maqaam sessions also feature weekly Quran recitations. Every Thursday, ten members recite the Quran, with each participant reading three Juz', ensuring the 30-chapter text is completed in one session.
While Djibouti remains the heart of his recitations, Sheikh Dandaawi has performed in other Somali-speaking regions, including Hiis and Maydh. His next goal is to bring his revered Qasaa'id recitations to Mogadishu, introducing a new audience to the centuries-old tradition.
- With files from the BBC Somali Service