Magool, born Halima Khaliif Omar in 1948 in Harardhere, Somalia, was one of Somalia's most celebrated and influential singers. Often referred to as the "Queen of Somali Music" or "Hooyada Fanka" (Mother of the Arts), her career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1960s.
Magool moved to Mogadishu, the capital, where her talent was quickly recognized. She joined the famed Waaberi group, Somalia's national music, dance, and drama troupe, which was integral to the country's cultural life. The Waaberi group used music and theater to promote national unity and education, and Magool's powerful and emotionally resonant voice became one of its mainstays.
Her voice was particularly noted for its clarity, range, and ability to convey deep emotion, making her a favorite for performing songs about love, patriotism, and social commentary. She collaborated with many of Somalia's greatest poets and composers, including Mohamed Ibrahim Hadraawi and Abdi Muhumud Amin. One of her most iconic songs is "Jacayl Dhiig Ma Lagu Qoraa" (Is Love Written in Blood?), which remains a classic of Somali music.
The outbreak of the Somali Civil War in the early 1990s dramatically impacted Magool's life and career. Like many artists and intellectuals, she was forced into exile. She spent time in various countries, including Djibouti and the Netherlands, where she continued to perform for the Somali diaspora. Despite being away from her homeland, she remained a symbol of Somali culture and heritage. Her songs often served as a source of nostalgia, comfort, and hope for Somalis scattered across the globe.
Magool eventually returned to the region, settling in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. She passed away on August 19, 2004, in an Amersham, England hospital after a prolonged illness. Her death was widely mourned by Somalis worldwide. Magool's immense musical catalog and her role in documenting and reflecting the Somali experience—both its joys and its sorrows—ensure her status as a cultural icon. She is remembered not just as a singer, but as a voice for the Somali nation.