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Sharmarke Abdinasir Mohamed, commonly known by his stage name Sharma Boy, is a Somali singer-songwriter recognized for his contributions to Somalia’s entertainment landscape.

Biography Born in 1999 in Burtinle, in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region, Sharma Boy moved to Mogadishu with his mother following his parents' separation. Here, he received his education in a Quranic institution, dugsi, before finishing his primary schooling. Economic challenges during his teenage years led him to abandon his education in the 10th grade, taking up various jobs, such as a technician in a garage and working in a bakery.

Growing up during Somalia's periods of economic and political instability, especially post the 1991 civil war, Sharma Boy transformed these experiences into his music by 2020. His music, often uploaded on YouTube, provides insights into Somali life, highlighting issues like unemployment, poverty, and societal corruption.

His divergence from traditional Somali musical narratives, which often harken back to pastoral scenes, offers a fresh perspective. This is evident in his song “Shahaadada Micno Maleh” (The Degree Has No Meaning), which he collaboratively performed with Saalim Kaskeey. The song’s music video, set against a backdrop of garbage heaps, underscores themes of economic challenges and the diminishing value of formal education in Somalia.

Career Sharma Boy's unique musical approach has rapidly increased his popularity, both in Somalia and among the diaspora. His YouTube channel has accumulated nearly 830,000 subscribers and over 135 million views as of October 2019.

Although recognized for his rap songs, Sharma Boy’s musical repertoire is diverse. He's even collaborated with Somali-Canadian rapper K’Naan in the bilingual song, “Waayo Waayo.”

U.S. Appearance In 2022, Sharma Boy was invited to Minneapolis to be part of the WBAC Summer Festival, an event celebrated by the Somali-American community, which combines soccer tournaments with musical performances. Sharma Boy’s involvement added a cultural dimension, as he not only performed live but also conducted workshops to introduce young Somali-Americans to songwriting and music production. His performances took place at the University of Minnesota’s Ted Mann Concert Hall and Minneapolis’ famed First Avenue.

His Minneapolis appearance was made possible through a collaboration between Adrienne Dorn, director of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, and Ahmed Ismail of WBAC. Their intent was to bring Somali and American artists together.

Impact and Legacy Many who have worked with Sharma Boy, including Ahmed, liken his journey and influence to renowned artists like Tupac, emphasizing his rise from challenging circumstances. Sharma Boy's music resonates with younger audiences, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, as it encapsulates their shared experiences and challenges.

References https://sahanjournal.com/culture-community/sharma-boy-somali-musician-youtuber-minneapolis/ - "Sharma Boy: From Somali YouTube sensation to Minneapolis", Ibrahim Hirsi, Sahan Journal, June 24, 2022.