Sahra Halgan, born on April 12, 1972, in Hargeisa, Somali Democratic Republic, is a singer and cultural activist. Coming from a family of singers and poets, she began performing at the age of 13 despite societal disapproval. During the Somali Civil War, Sahra Halgan joined the Somali National Movement as an unskilled nurse, finding freedom in her role that allowed her to continue singing. After Siad Barre's ousting in 1991 and Somaliland’s declaration of independence, she moved to Lyon, France, where she worked various jobs while returning to music. Her debut album Somaliland was released in 2009, followed by Faransiskiyo Somaliland in 2015, which blended rock touareg with East African rhythms. In 2019, she released Waa Dardaaran, and in 2024, her fourth album, Hiddo Dhawr, gained national media attention. Sahra Halgan also founded a cultural center in Hargeisa dedicated to music and poetry.
