receiving a Gold Record, Lifetime Achievement Award. , popularly known as the father of Somali music. Somali
popular music began with the
balwo style, pioneered by
Abdi Sinimo, who rose to fame in the early 1940s. This new genre then in turn created the Heelo style of Somali music. Abdi's innovation and passion for music revolutionized Somali music forever. Introduction of melody in modern Somali song is credited to
Abdullahi Qarshe, who is recognised for introducing the
kaban (oud) as an accompaniment to Somali music. Qarshe is revered by Somalis as "father of Somali music". Many qaraami songs from this era are still extremely popular today. This musical style is mostly played on the
kaban (
oud). Prominent Somali kaban players of the 1950s include
Ali Feiruz and Mohamed Nahari. During the rule of the
Supreme Revolutionary Council (Somalia), music was suppressed except for a small amount of officially sanctioned music. There were many
protest songs produced during this period, pioneered by the people of Somaliland who were trying to
gain independence from the government of Somalia, especially the genocidal
Barre regime. Bands such as
Waaberi and
Horseed have gained a small following outside of the country. Others, like Ahmed Ali Egal,
Maryam Mursal and
Waayaha Cusub have fused traditional Somali music with
pop,
rock and roll,
bossa nova,
jazz, and other modern influences. Music recorded in the 1970s was preserved in
Hargeisa, buried underground, and is now available at the Red Sea Foundation at the Hargeisa Cultural Center, and in Radio Hargeisa. The Barre dictatorial regime effectively nationalised the music scene, with bands and production under state control. Bands were operated by the police, the army and the national penitentiary. Female singers were encouraged more than was the case in most of East Africa. Most musicians had left the country before 1991. Hiddo Dhawr is now operating as the only live music venue in the city. ==Music institutions==