Cilmi iyo Caado: Modernity and Tradition
Robert Tyabji
Somalia has been headlined in the international news since the 1980s and Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down did little to soften its image. So it's interesting to review, in hindsight, the events of our life as a family in Mogadishu, and my work at UNICEF, in the years from 1985 to 1988.
We will be writing more about our times in Somalia, please stay tuned.
One of my first projects in Somalia was to find ways to tackle the rampant misconceptions, myths and harmful parenting practices that were causing unnecessary yet widespread disease and high infant and child mortality.
The Somalis' oral traditions have made them natural storytellers and poets. In the absence of television, live drama and song were the primary sources of entertainment and information. Somali drama forms were disseminated via audio and video cassettes among the various nomadic and settled communities throughout the country, as well as to the widely scattered Somali diaspora. For me as UNICEF’s information and communication officer in Somalia, this presented a golden opportunity to spread "new" information and advice about child survival and development.
Working with Somalia's state-sponsored drama group Hobalaada Waaberi, I guided them in creating a series of live plays called Cilmi iyo Caado, meaning Modernity and Tradition in Somali. The production team traveled around Somalia and rapidly became a smash hit. We then made a series of videos based on the play, and it wasn't long before the videos became viral and were being played in Somali households from Kismayo to Toronto.
Then began the tragic series of events which drove the United Nations and all development activity out of Somalia and in a few tragic years led to the total destruction of Somalia as a state. I believe that many of the Hobalaada Waaberi artistes managed to escape the country. However, it was only recently that I found some of the Cilmi iyo Caado videos on YouTube. These had been uploaded by Somalis abroad, and while the quality is poor, the messages remain relevant (the original videotapes were all analog; they were probably abandoned or destroyed during the course of the conflicts and cannot be located).
Some of the Cilmi iyo Caado Videos found on YouTube
Cilmi iyo Caado or Tradition Vs. Modernity by Robert Tyabji and Hobollada Waaberi - Waberi Troupe.
Dhibka bulsho oo ka dhasha loolanka dhaqankii hore iyo kan cusub. Fikradda sheekada waxaa leh Yuusuf Aadan Allaale. Waxaa soo saaray Salaad Yuusuf, Sooraan Nooriin, UNICEF Soomaaliya iyo TV-ga JDS.
The societal problems that arise when tratidional values clash with the changes of modernity. Story idea by Yusuf Adan Alale. Produced by Salad Yusuf, Soran Norin, UNICEF Somalia, SDR TV.
Classic duet - Binti Cumar and Akhadar
- Previous article: The Beginnings of Moh. Siad Barre's Tribal Cleansing; The Power Situation in Mogadishu; The Post Office; Teaching Air Traffic Controllers Functional English; Dealing with the Government; Driving in Somalia; Our Somali Friends; Postscript and Photos
- Next article: "Memories to Keep" - Hootoksi's book for Somali children