HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – On Friday, 29 August, Khadijo Mohamud Aw-Yusuf, affectionately known as Qalanjo—a legendary singer, cultural pioneer, and one of the most celebrated women in Somali history—passed away in Borama, Somaliland.
Qalanjo rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a beloved Somali singer and folklore dancer.
She also made history as the first Miss Somalia, a title that celebrated her beauty while honoring the pride, creativity, and cultural heritage of the Somali people.
Her passing has left many Somalis mourning the loss of a true icon.
She was laid to rest in the Sog-Sogley cemeteries in Borama on Friday.
Born in Borama, Somaliland, around 1950, Qalanjo emerged as one of the brightest stars of Somali music and culture.
Her voice, artistry, and elegance defined an era and left a legacy that will endure for generations.
She was renowned not only for her powerful voice and stage presence but also for her grace and poise.
Qalanjo revolutionized Somali traditional music by modernizing dhaanto and Sayliciga, blending these folk forms with contemporary instruments at a time when Somali songs were typically sung a cappella.
Through this innovation, she gave Somali music a new sound and global identity while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Her timeless songs—Caashaqa Sal iyo Baar, Ragga iyo Haweenkuba, Dheesha Dheela, Sharaf, Hooyo, Diriyam, and the unforgettable duet Soo hor Caashaqa with Hassan Adan Samatar—continue to capture the beauty of love, the resilience of Somali society, and the spirit of a proud nation.
Beyond her music, Qalanjo was a cultural ambassador and a symbol of hope for Somali women breaking barriers in a male-dominated world. Her dignity, charm, and confidence inspired generations both at home and across the diaspora.
As we bid farewell to Khadijo Qalanjo, we remember her not only as a singer but as a jewel of Somali culture—a woman whose songs carried the soul of her people, whose beauty mirrored her art, and whose courage transformed Somali culture.
May Allah grant her infinite mercy and Jannatul Firdows, and grant comfort and patience to her family and the Somali people.