Somalia Transitional Federal Government has organised an occasion for the youth in Mogadishu, just to reassure them that there is life beyond the gunfire that has dominated the country, since the fall of Siad Barre's administration in the early nineties. It is an easy break from the monotonous fires, and battles that dominate life here.
The Prison's band is a group of Somalia instrumentalists and singers who have survived through the years, to keep the country's army entertained. During the national functions, the band strikes a patriot chord, observing traditions inherited from country's colonial powers- Italy and Britain.
Prison's academy
"It was at Lafole Prisons Academy in the outskirts of Mogadishu where the band was formed,” recalls Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Omar Afrah alias Moalim Hassan, the current band leader.
“The objective was to give prisons’ guards an image of being public servants. The government of the day invested heavily to create the group," says the head of the resilient musical group.
Some of band members were airlifted to the then communist East Germany for musical training; spending over two years there between 1976 and 1979. Somalia was then in good books of the left leaning governments due to its leaning.
It was in March 1972, when the then Socialist regime of General Mohamed Siad Barre composed the band.
When international dignitaries visit Somalia, it is this band of musicians that plays their national anthem; welcomes them into the country.
“We can play any national anthem and almost every musical note composed in Somalia,” said director of the Prisoners’ Band in Somalia.
So when the country's authorities decided to mark the World Youth Day, the band was top of their mind. This was at a time when the city was under the threat of Islamic militias; they had even warned against playing of any music and watching football.
Hostilities
“We are at best when we combine our creativity with our instruments,” said Moalim Hassan, pleased to have lead his troupe under a drizzly day along several streets in Mogadishu. “It is a change from the monotony of worrying about hostilities,” remarked the band leader.
The group has survived two decades of civil strife, the optimistic director hopes that the Transitional Federal Government will assist all national bands, including the military and police bands, to upgrade their skills and instruments.
“Despite going through tough moments, I believe the future is brighter than many people think,” said a cheerful Moalim Hassan. “We are ready to welcome any improvement while we are at the service of the country and the nation."
The group's leader pointed out that the band has a public entertainment section that stage plays and musical shows “The best opportunities to display talents are during weddings, celebrations and other private ceremonies,” he added.
Even prisoners have a chance top taste their melodies as part of their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
Ministry of Justice
“Even though prisoners are in custody, most likely for doing unlawful deeds, we have to realize that they are human being, too,” said the determined musician. “Unlike the general populace, we mainly give the inmates corrective examples."
In their strive to keep the music playing, the group has had to endure.
“We have lost instruments and other gears over the years, but we have managed to keep looters and other thugs off.”
The TFG’s Ministry of Justice takes care of the band’s growth and development. What a song !
Source: African Review