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Faced with mass unemployment and deadly migration practices, young Somalians are finding solace in the inspiration of music.
23 -year-old Abdinur Ahmed does what he loves best – entertaining people using music. His choice of music is dhaanto, a popular folk dance played to modern music.
The third year university student is the band leader of Banadir, a popular youth band that's earned fame and a reputation in local and national events. They played during Somali’s President Faramjo's inauguration.
In 2018, Abdinur hopes to graduate from a local university, but a massive unemployment awaits him and his fellow group members. Unlike some of the country’s youth, the band sees a great future ahead for them.
"It's a form of job creation, it doesn't have to be office work only. As a team we earn an income from entertaining people at different events, this is how we've been able to sustain ourselves. Ours is a sign that as youth, everyone has a role to play,” said Abdinur Ahmed, musician.
It's the income they generate that keeps the band together. Banadir has teamed with other influential individuals to use culture to address migration.
In recent months hundreds of African migrants mainly from Somalia and Ethiopia have died at sea – all in the hope of seeking better prospects abroad.
"It's a gamble on one’s life, it's either you live or you die. This is what we are seeking to address as a group and we are using our platform as a music band. Lack of education is part of the problem. If we educate our youth, we can keep them home,” Ahmed said.
Migration has for years remained a major issue of concern even the authorities admit its challenges but are offering no quick solutions.
The awareness campaign has been left mainly to influential social media personalities, artists, poets and youth activists.
Somalia has one of the largest youth populations in Africa with nearly 70% of its population being youth. The government has yet to initiate job creation for the unemployed leaving many with few options but Ahmed is seeking to use his skills to send a message to his fellow youth.
The theme of International Youth Day 2017 is Youth Building Peace - militant groups Al-Shabaab has long been accused of forcing young people join its cause.
Poverty, insecurity and unemployment currently stand out as the main threats facing Somalia's young people.
"We came together as a music band to raise awareness on challenges facing the youth. We are using our traditional music and culture to spread the message. The message we seek to present is that there are ample opportunities at home. Migration and joining extremists isn't just the only solution," said Ahmed.
A new government came into power early this year inheriting same old challenges but its leaders have been seen as strong supporters of youth empowerment but until then the band hopes that no more lives will be lost in the hands of traffickers.
(CGTN)
