1. Sayyid Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan – Anti‑Colonial Leader and Poet
Sayyid Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan (also written as Mohammed Abdullah Hassan) is one of the most enduring figures in Somali history. He was born in 1856 in what was then British Somaliland and grew up studying the Qur’an before embarking on religious and political leadership. Sayyid Mohamed combined Islamic scholarship with fierce nationalist resistance, eventually founding the Dervish Movement, an armed resistance against British, Italian, and Ethiopian colonial forces. His leadership was grounded in the idea that Somalis could unify beyond clan divisions to defend their land and faith.
Over more than two decades (1899–1920), his forces engaged in guerrilla campaigns that repeatedly frustrated colonial armies, making him the subject of fear and respect across the Horn of Africa. Colonial powers derisively called him the “Mad Mullah,” a label that understates his skill as both a strategist and poet. Sayyid Mohamed also used his poetry as political weaponry, composing verses that inspired unity and resistance throughout Somali communities.
Despite facing better‑equipped colonial armies, he endured through tactical mobility and the support of mobile pastoralist followers familiar with the harsh terrain. His movement at times established fortified bases, and its leaders engaged in diplomacy with regional powers, including the Ottoman Empire. Sayyid Mohamed’s vision of a sovereign Somali state based on Islamic values made him a precursor to modern Somali nationalism. He died in 1920 in Ethiopia, but his legacy as a symbol of Somali resistance continues to be revered in Somali oral history.
2. Iman Abdulmajid — Supermodel and Cultural Icon
Iman Abdulmajid, known globally simply as Iman, was born in Mogadishu and went on to become one of the most influential fashion models of the 20th century. She broke barriers in an industry that historically lacked representation for Black and African women, walking runways for major designers like Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Versace. More than just a face in fashion, Iman became an entrepreneur with her own cosmetic lines catering to women of diverse skin tones—long before that concept was mainstream.
In her varied career, she also dabbled in acting and philanthropy and has been associated with charities such as the Children’s Defense Fund. During the 1990s, Iman gained extra media attention through her marriage to rock legend David Bowie, though her influence in fashion and business stands independently. Throughout her life, Iman has been vocal about representation, diversity, and empowering women—particularly women of African descent. Her striking presence on magazine covers around the world helped redefine beauty standards in the global fashion industry. Iman has also worked behind the scenes to mentor emerging designers and support arts initiatives. She remains a role model for many in the Somali diaspora and beyond.
3. Barkhad Abdi — Award‑Nominated Actor
Barkhad Abdi is a Somali‑American actor whose breakthrough role came in 2013’s Captain Phillips, where he portrayed the pirate leader Hussein opposite Tom Hanks. Born in Somalia, Abdi moved to the United States as a young man following the outbreak of civil war in his homeland. Prior to Captain Phillips, acting was not his profession; he worked various jobs while settling into life in America. His audition for the film was remarkable because it was his first time acting on film, yet his performance captured global attention.
For his portrayal, Abdi was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, among other accolades—a rare achievement for someone with virtually no prior acting experience. The role also brought him a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Best Supporting Actor. Abdi’s performance was praised for its intensity, nuance, and emotional depth, transforming perceptions of Somali characters in Hollywood narratives. Beyond Captain Phillips, he has appeared in other films and television projects, broadening his craft and visibility. His rise from life in refugee camps and odd jobs to award‑nominated actor serves as a powerful story of resilience and talent.
4. K’naan — Musician, Poet, and Cultural Voice
K’naan (born Keinan Abdi Warsame) is a Somali‑Canadian musician whose work blends hip‑hop, reggae, and world music with deeply personal storytelling. He grew up in Mogadishu in a family with a strong artistic heritage—his grandfather was a well‑known poet and his aunt a singer. K’naan’s songs often reflect his experiences growing up amid civil conflict, life as an immigrant, and broader themes of hope, struggle, and identity. His best‑known track, “Wavin’ Flag,” became a global anthem and was chosen as one of the celebratory songs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, giving him worldwide recognition.
K’naan taught himself English through studying hip‑hop records, illustrating how cultural exchange informs his creative voice. His lyrics combine social commentary with infectious rhythms, making him a unique figure in both African and Western music scenes. Aside from recording albums, he has performed on international stages and collaborated with artists across genres. His music remains influential among diaspora communities who see their narratives reflected in his art. K’naan’s career highlights the power of music as both personal expression and global bridge.
5. Mo Farah — Legendary Long‑Distance Runner
Sir Mo Farah is one of the most celebrated long‑distance runners in history. Born Hussein Abdi Kahin in Somalia in 1983, he left his homeland as a child amid political turmoil. After moving to the United Kingdom, Farah found his talent in athletics and rose through the ranks to international stardom. His career includes four Olympic gold medals and six World Championship titles, achievements that place him among the most successful track athletes ever.
Farah’s signature achievement is the “double‑double”, winning both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at consecutive Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016). He also held numerous European and British records across distances and was knighted in 2017 for his services to athletics. His journey from a child trafficked to the UK to Olympic champion is a testament to resilience and dedication. Beyond competition, Farah has inspired generations of young athletes and used his platform to support charitable causes. He remains a global sports icon whose legacy transcends national boundaries.
6. Ayaan Hirsi Ali — Activist, Author, and Politician
Ayaan Hirsi Ali was born in Mogadishu in 1969 and later became a prominent Dutch‑American activist, writer, and politician. After fleeing Somalia as a child, she sought asylum in the Netherlands and eventually entered politics there, serving as a member of the Dutch Parliament. Hirsi Ali is best known for her outspoken critique of Islamist extremism and advocacy for women’s rights, particularly opposing forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
She wrote several influential books, including Infidel and Nomad, blending autobiography with political critique. Her collaboration on the short film Submission highlighted the abuse of women under certain Islamic interpretations and sparked intense controversy, including the murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh. While admired by many for her courage and advocacy, her views have also drawn criticism for being polarizing and contentious. Hirsi Ali later moved to the United States, where she continued her advocacy through the AHA Foundation, an organization she founded to protect women and girls. Her life story combines profound personal struggle with relentless public engagement on global debates about culture, religion, and rights.
7. Ilhan Omar — U.S. Congresswoman and Trailblazing Politician
Rep. Ilhan Abdullahi Omar was born in Mogadishu in 1982 and spent part of her childhood in a Kenyan refugee camp after fleeing the Somali Civil War. In 1995 her family secured asylum in the United States, eventually settling in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Omar became the first African refugee and one of the first Muslim American women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.
Her political career includes service in the Minnesota state legislature, community organizing, and leadership on issues such as immigration reform, healthcare access, and climate change. Omar has also been a prominent voice advocating for inclusive democracy and equity. As a Somali American lawmaker, she has often been the target of intense scrutiny and political attacks, including racist rhetoric and threats—highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants in public life. Despite this, she remains a significant figure in contemporary U.S. politics. Omar’s election broke barriers for refugee representation and inspired many in the Somali diaspora and beyond.
8. Nuruddin Farah — Literary Giant
Nuruddin Farah, born in Baidoa in 1945, is widely regarded as Somalia’s most influential novelist and one of Africa’s great literary voices. His first novel, From a Crooked Rib (1970), is considered a cornerstone of modern East African literature. Farah’s work often explores themes of identity, nationalism, exile, and the role of women in postcolonial societies.
Writing primarily in English, Farah has published numerous novels, including Maps, Gifts, and Secrets, many of which have won international awards. Farah’s career was shaped by political upheaval in Somalia; his critiques of dictatorship forced him into exile for much of his life. He has taught and lived in countries across Africa, Europe, and North America, enriching his perspectives and audience. Farah’s accolades include the Neustadt International Prize for Literature and prestigious literary prizes in Europe. His novels remain widely studied and translated, positioning him as a global ambassador for Somali narrative and culture.
9. Abdi Bile — World Champion Athlete
Abdi Bile stands out as Somalia’s most decorated track athlete. Born in Las Anod in 1962, Bile specialized in middle‑distance running, particularly the 1500 meters. In 1987 he became the World Champion in the 1500m, the first Somali to achieve such a distinction on the world stage. That same year, he set records that remain among the fastest times in the latter stage of the race.
Bile holds national records in multiple track disciplines, a testament to his versatility and dominance. Despite the collapse of Somali national infrastructure in the early 1990s, he continued to inspire athletes worldwide with his perseverance and success. Bile’s legacy lives on in Somali sporting culture as a role model for dedication and excellence.
10. Hawa Abdi — Physician, Humanitarian, and Advocate
Dr. Hawa Abdi was a Somali physician and human rights activist born in Mogadishu in 1947. After completing medical training, she returned to Somalia and established a small clinic in 1983, which eventually grew into Hope Village—a community that provided healthcare, schooling, and refuge to tens of thousands of internally displaced people during the Somali Civil War. Abdi saw firsthand the devastation of conflict and devoted her life to safeguarding the most vulnerable.
Hope Village became a symbol of resilience, offering shelter, education, and medical care when government services collapsed. Even when militants took control of parts of her camp, she refused to abandon her patients and negotiated to continue running essential services. In 1993 she personally guided U.S. President George H.W. Bush through her camp, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. International media and organizations praised her courage; in 2010 she and her daughters were named Women of the Year by Glamour magazine. Abdi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, reflecting her immense impact. She passed away in 2020, but her legacy lives on through the foundation and countless lives she helped.
The Knowledge Base 
Leave a comment