Legendary Somali poet dies, aged 80.
Many Somalis
consider him to be one of the greatest Somali classic poets, with many of his
poetry arts focused on nationalism as Somalia was struggling to gain an
independence from British and Italian colonists in 1960s.
Tributes have been paid to the late poet whose literary legacy drew much inspiration and respect among Somalis around the world.In his career spanning five decades, Egal’s poetry work campaigned for Somalia’s unity and promoted peace which made him an icon figure among Somali poets.
As news of Mr
Egal's death spread, people took to social media to pay tribute to the poet.
"We've lost a
truly great poet." Tweeted Ahmed Mohamed, who said he met the poet at a
young age in 1980s in Mogadishu.
Another
Somali Ali Hassan tweeted "The death of that legend is a huge loss for the
Somali literature and the nation as a whole.”
Legendary Somali poet dies, aged 80.
One of Somalia's most acclaimed poets, Ali Sugule Egal has died in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 80, family announced Monday. Mr. Egal has been in coma for months for illness that left him bed-ridden.