Mohamed Mooge Liibaan

Mohammed Mooge Liibaan (Somali: Maxamed Mooge Liibaan, Arabic: محمد موجي ليبان) – 1945-1984) was a prominent Somali instrumentalist, vocalist, and poet.

Mohamed Mooge was born in Hargeisa, the present-day capital of Somaliland. Together with his brother Ahmed Mooge, he began singing and composing while still young, becoming two of the most celebrated Somali artists of their generation.

He was a member of the famous Waaberi troupe, the most influential performing arts group in Somalia. Mooge was especially renowned for his skill with the oud (kaban) and for a vocal style that combined emotional depth with artistic finesse.

Before dedicating himself fully to music, he worked as a teacher for the Somali Ministry of Education. His musical career gained prominence in the 1970s, when his songs were often infused with messages of social awareness and political consciousness.

In 1971, the Somali government forced Mohamed Mooge into early retirement, accusing him of opposing the dictatorship of Mohamed Siad Barre. While still in Somalia, he composed and performed songs that indirectly criticized the regime, using symbolic and allegorical language to promote freedom and unity.

During the 1970s, Mooge secretly left Somalia and spent time in Kenya and the United Kingdom, where he continued both his artistic career and political activism.

He first joined the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF), where he became a leading cultural voice of resistance. Among the songs he performed during this period were Soomaalidu ma huruddaa? (“Are Somalis asleep?”) and Lix iyo labaatankii Juun ku lednay, kowdii Luulyo liibaaney, kow iyo labaatankii Oktoobar leeleelay — songs that openly challenged the dictatorship. He worked with the SSDF for nearly three years.

Mooge consistently rejected the Siad Barre regime, and unlike many other artists of his generation, he never recorded praise songs for the government. As a result, very few of his works were ever broadcast on state-controlled Somali radio, which he dismissed as propaganda outlets.

Mohamed Mooge’s artistic contributions belong to the Somali musical tradition known as Fadhiga, which emphasizes lyrical depth, social themes, and intimate performance styles. His voice, often described as sweet and melodically layered, deeply touched audiences across the Somali-speaking world. His songs became a staple of Somali households and remain widely listened to.

Mooge was admired not only for his musical ability but also for his intellectual vision. He believed that art was timeless as long as people remained alive to carry it forward. His works reflected a worldview that combined social awareness, cultural pride, and political resistance.

After leaving the SSDF, Mohamed Mooge became an active member of the Somali National Movement (SNM), which led the armed struggle against Siad Barre in northern Somalia. He served as head of information and broadcasting, leading the SNM’s radio programs and political awareness campaigns.

Though he was a military commander, Mooge was considered a key figure in political mobilization, cultural resistance, and morale-building within the movement. He worked closely with SNM leaders, including:

• Col. Ibrahim Koodbuur
• Col. Mohamed Kaahin Axmed
• Col. Aden Mohamed Guhad (Aden Wali)
• Mahmoud Ismail Gabush
• Gen. Daoud
• Hussein Dheere
• Askar (officer)

Mooge was described as the “voice and mind” of SNM’s propaganda, playing a crucial role in spreading its message, organizing cultural programs, and providing strategic advice.

On 4 June 1984, Mohamed Mooge Liban, together with 16 SNM fighters, was ambushed in a government attack near Awaare and Dhagax Buur, particularly in the area of Meermeerta. The ambush was carried out by troops loyal to Siad Barre.

In the days leading up to his death, internal tensions had emerged within the SNM leadership, as some commanders were accused of diverting focus toward religious mysticism rather than military preparedness. Mooge had voiced concerns about this trend, fearing it could weaken the movement’s military effectiveness.

On the night of 4 June, reports circulated that Col. Ibrahim Koodbuur had entrusted a vehicle and armed escort to a fellow officer known as Ina Askar (not Col. Abdillahi Askar). That same night, the vehicle and its escort were ambushed by government forces near Celiya, where the officer and his guards were killed. The vehicle was later taken to Hargeisa.

When Mooge learned of the incident, he confronted Xassan Tarabi, an SNM officer associated with the faction, in a moment of bitter sarcasm, asking why the supposed “holy man” had not foreseen the danger and warned his men. Enraged, Tarabi pulled out a pistol and shot Mooge in the chest.

Mooge was rushed to the SNM field hospital in Awaare and later transferred toward Dhagax Buur, but before he could reach safety, his convoy was ambushed in a government attack. In that battle, Maxamed Mooge and 16 fighters were killed on 5 June 1984.

Mohamed Mooge is remembered as one of the most important cultural and political figures in Somali history. His songs, poetry, and performances remain deeply influential across Somali society.

He frequently adapted classical Somali poetry — including works by Muḥammad ibn 'Abdallāh Hassan and Qaasim — as well as modern poems by Hadraawi, turning them into songs that enriched Somali cultural heritage.

Through his art, Mooge contributed to the preservation and popularization of Somali oral traditions, including dhaanto, baarcadaha, and jaandheer, all of which promote collective memory, identity, and unity.

Today, he is regarded not only as a musician but also as a nationalist hero, symbolizing both the artistic and political struggles of the Somali people. In Somaliland, his name is commemorated in cultural institutions, and his legacy endures in Somali homes worldwide.

• Cabdiqani Maxamed Xuseen (2010). Taariikhda Fanka Soomaaliyeed. Hargeisa.
• Axmed Maxamed Cali (2005). Fanka iyo Siyaasadda Soomaaliya. Muqdisho.
• Jaamac Maxamed Xuseen (2018). Heesaha Halganka iyo Fanka Soomaalida. Djibouti.

Popular songs by Mooge include:

• Aamiinta kula idhi
• Allahayow nin daacad ah
• Adduunyoow
• Adigiyo jacaylkana
• Baxsanow Hadraawow
• Ciilka Dadweynaha
• Dadka hayska weyneyn
• Dalxiis
• Dhayyal looma heesee
• Dhulkii hooyo
• Doonidii Jacaylka
• Galbis
• Guga
• Habluhu kala wanaagsan
• Hami Iyo Jacayl
• Haween U Samir
• Idil
• Ifka
• Jirab
• La Jiifiyaana
• Maxaa Iga Galay Nin Geel Badan
• Mudantii haweenkaa
• Nabsiga Hiisha
• Nafta Ku Ogolaatay
• Oogada Jirkeygiyo
• Saxarla
• Saylaha
• Shacbaan
• Waa Oday Kasheekee
• Walaac
• Waayeel Dadow
• Xeebtaa Jabuuti
• Xilo Jano
• Sabab Kale Ha Moodine

• Ahmed Mooge Liibaan
• Music of Somalia

• Maxamed Mooge (archived)
• Somali Classic Songs accessed October 8 2007
• Somali Democracy Watch Organization accessed October 8 2007 (translation necessary)

• Official website (in Somali)
• Biography at fansite (archived)
• Mohamed Mooge Songs