For more than half a century, the BBC Somali Service’s iconic theme tune has captivated listeners across Somalia and its diaspora with its authoritative rhythm. Yet, behind its instrumental melody lies a subversive message—a clandestine call for self-rule and resistance to colonialism, rooted in the song’s original lyrics.
In 1957, as the British Broadcasting Corporation sought to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa, it turned to Radio Hargeisa to compose a theme song for its new Somali service. The choice fell to Abdullahi Qarshe, a renowned Somali composer and poet, who delivered a melody that would soon become synonymous with BBC broadcasts. However, unknown to its British managers, Qarshe’s creation carried an unsung message of rebellion.
The original lyrics, written but omitted from the instrumental version, are a poignant plea for freedom and self-rule:
“These people calling out, yearning for their land. If they rise up for it, Oh God, grant them (their wish).”
Qarshe, aware of the cultural and political weight of his words, embedded an anti-colonial spirit in the music. For Somali listeners, the melody became more than a news introduction—it was a quiet anthem for liberation, resonating with the aspirations of a people under colonial rule.
Somalia’s rich oral culture, where poetry and storytelling are celebrated as cornerstones of collective identity, amplified the song’s hidden message. Poetry, often layered with complex meanings, has long been a tool for resistance and commentary in Somali society. Qarshe’s theme leveraged this tradition, offering a coded yet unmistakable call for independence.
The BBC Somali Service was originally intended to counteract anti-colonial narratives being broadcast by Egyptian radio stations, which were gaining traction among Somalis. The British hoped to cultivate loyalty by providing a “reliable” source of news in Somali. However, they underestimated the ingenuity of Somali artists and their ability to embed defiance within their work.
Naming the tune “Araweelo’s Gait” added another layer of resistance. Araweelo, a figure from Somali folklore, symbolizes matriarchal strength and independence. Her association with the theme song reinforced the spirit of rebellion, subtly mocking the colonial power that unknowingly popularized a subversive anthem.
Sixty-seven years later, the BBC Somali Service’s theme remains unchanged. For Somalis, the melody carries echoes of an enduring struggle for self-determination. While it has become an integral part of the British media’s presence in the region, the unsung lyrics persist as a reminder of Somali resilience and defiance against colonial rule.
This hidden message underscores the irony of colonial efforts to control narratives while inadvertently amplifying a call for liberation. Qarshe’s brilliance lies not just in his music but in his ability to weaponize art as a subtle yet potent force against oppression.
The BBC Somali Service’s theme is more than an instrumental introduction—it is a historical artifact of Somali wit and resistance. It exemplifies how colonized peoples have leveraged creativity to subvert control, ensuring their voices resonate even within the systems designed to suppress them.
As the melody continues to play, Somalis worldwide hear not just the news but the unsung call of their ancestors: a yearning for freedom that remains as relevant today as it was in 1957.
