 -When I was 14 years old, my father took me to a party in Aden where I heard an Arabic man playing an oud. I liked it and knew I wanted to learn how to play myself. At school I was constantly drumming on the desk so my teacher recommended that I learn how to play the drums. I went on to learn the oud from Abdullahi Qarshe, the most famous and first Somali to create tunes for the instrument. This is how it all started for this Somalian legend, who, now in his mid seventies, shows no signs of cooling down.
-For me it's like an illness - if there's an oud lying near me, I've just got to play it.
Throughout the late 50's & 60's, Hudeydi played all over Somalia in public places, for theatre and concerts. His nickname is 'Hudeydi' but he is also known as 'The King' -because of my rhythms, says Hudeydi.
In 1974 he moved to the UK and since then he has been playing in private parties and community occasions.
-I'd really like to have my own school where I could teach the oud. I've taught my own children and grandchildren. The oud is my greatest pleasure. It's music that can satisfy a huge crowd on its own unlike amplified music and keyboards. I'm 74 years old now so I'm really keen to pass on the tradition, especially to young Somalis here.
Hudeydi is one of the artists at this year's Oslo Mela
Related items
|
Search 
