Biography
Iskalaaji is a distinguished Somali public figure, cultural icon, and visionary artist dedicated to preserving and promoting Somali arts, culture, and heritage. Born in Wajid, Bakool region, and raised in Garowe, Puntland, his passion for Somali music, folklore, and literature ignited early. His decades of artistic practice, cultural preservation, and community engagement have solidified his legacy and national influence.
A trailblazer in East African performing arts, Iskalaaji emerged as a leading voice in post-civil war Somalia, using music and literature to bridge community divides. Over a 25-year career, he has composed iconic songs advocating for peace, federalism, democratization, justice, and social transformation. His works, including "Songs of Peace, Democracy, and Social Awareness," have become anthems of reconciliation and nation-building.
Driven by art's transformative power, Iskalaaji founded the Iskalaaji Cultural and Awareness Agency (ICAA) in 2022. His vision: to institutionalize Somali heritage and cultural expression as a tool for addressing national and social challenges, including governance, democratization, and countering extremism. As Chairman, ICAA has launched innovative programs blending traditional arts with civic education, earning recognition from regional governments and international partners.
Iskalaaji’s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, he received the Puntland Cultural Excellence Award for revitalizing Somali folklore. He is a sought-after speaker at regional forums on art-driven peacebuilding. Beyond ICAA, he mentors young artists and champions gender inclusivity in Somalia’s heritage and cultural sectors. His philosophy “Art is the soul of a nation; it heals, educates, and unites"—guides ICAA's mission.
Iskalaaji leads ICAA’s artistic direction, ensuring Somali heritage and culture remain a cornerstone of Somali identity, both at home and in the diaspora. ICAA not only preserves traditional art forms but also fosters contemporary interpretations that resonate with younger generations, honoring the past while building a vibrant cultural future.
ICAA has legally been registered with the relevant Member State authorities and the Federal Government of Somalia and the below illustrates more details on the specific registration licenses each respective authority in Somalia.
About Us
Iskalaji Cultural and Awareness Agency also known as ICAA brings diverse, high quality performing arts and strives to promote art education for all and support the local performing artists. We will provide and maintain a state-of-the-art facility that is responsive to the needs of our audience and performers, form supportive public and private partnerships, and stand-in economic vitality, tourism, and Somali development.
ICAA specializes in East African art of music, literature, culture folklores and dance. The Agency was formed on the 1st of February 2022 and has legally been renewed its registration with the relevant state authority in Somalia ever since with the current license number of 000295 in Puntland.
ICAA has its main office currently based in Garowe with near future ambition to have establish sub offices in Mogadisho, Baidao, Kismayo, Dhusamareb and Baladweyne, Somalia with the aim to establish strategic ways of resolving Somalia’s key challenges in relations to the Somalia State Building, Security, Peace & Reconciliation, Democratization, Federalization and Social Services through Somali cultural literature awareness and the art of music and songs that is contextually customized solutions to the above challenges. ICAA has highly qualified local artist and other areas of expertise those are assigned to achieve solutions through Art-literature, Songs, Comedies, Drama,, Poems, Cartoon Applications, Research, Publications and Capacity Building.
It is legend ICAA’s policy to maximize the Somali music and art content and engage local specialists to take principal roles wherever possible. This methodology of Somali music arts enables the center to present a thorough and insightful study and to mature solutions that adapt international experience whilst taking full artistic account of the region surroundings practices and realities.
