The Somali ethnic group is primarily found in the Horn of Africa, specifically in Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Known for their rich cultural heritage, Somalis have produced many notable individuals in various fields including politics, literature, sports, and entertainment. Here is a list of the top 10 famous people from the Somali ethnic group:
- 1. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed – Also known as Farmajo, Mohamed is the current President of Somalia.
- 2. Iman Abdulmajid – Internationally renowned supermodel and actress, Iman has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and is considered an icon in the industry.
- 3. Mo Farah – One of the most successful distance runners in the world, Farah has won numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals.
- 4. Liya Kebede – Ethiopian-born model and actress of Somali descent, Kebede became the first African model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics.
- 5. K’naan – A Somali-Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter, K’naan gained international recognition for his hit song “Wavin’ Flag,” which was the official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- 6. Ayaan Hirsi Ali – An outspoken activist, author, and former politician, Ali is known for her advocacy of women’s rights and criticism of Islam.
- 7. Iftiin Foundation – A nonprofit organization founded by Somali-American social entrepreneur Mohamed Ali to promote social development and entrepreneurship in Somalia and other African countries.
- 8. Warsan Shire – A Somali-British poet and writer, Shire gained widespread acclaim for her poetry, which often explores themes of migration, identity, and diaspora.
- 9. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud – Former President of Somalia, Mohamud played a significant role in stabilizing the country and overseeing the Somali government’s transition.
- 10. Ahmed Hussen – A Canadian lawyer and politician of Somali origin, Hussen became the first Somali-Canadian member of parliament and later served as the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship in Canada.
This list is by no means exhaustive, as there are many more talented and accomplished individuals of Somali heritage who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. It serves as a testament to the diverse and influential Somali diaspora.
Most Famous Somalis Celebrities
Some famous celebrities with Somali roots include:
1. Iman – Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, widely known as Iman, is a Somali American model, actress, and entrepreneur. She was one of the most sought-after models in the 1970s and 1980s, and she later transitioned to a successful career in business.
2. Mo Farah – Mo Farah is a British distance runner of Somali origin. He has won multiple Olympic gold medals and is considered one of the greatest distance runners in modern history.
3. K’Naan – K’Naan is a Somali Canadian poet, rapper, and singer-songwriter. He gained international recognition with his hit song “Wavin’ Flag,” which was chosen as the anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
4. Barkhad Abdi – Barkhad Abdi is a Somali American actor and director. He gained critical acclaim for his role as a Somali pirate in the film “Captain Phillips,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
5. Yasmin Warsame – Yasmin Warsame is a Somali Canadian supermodel. She has graced the covers of major fashion magazines and has walked the runway for renowned designers such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace.
These celebrities have not only achieved great success in their respective fields but have also become influential figures who have shattered stereotypes and become role models for many. Their achievements reflect the resilience, talent, and diversity of the Somali diaspora.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Somalis heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Somalis People
| Country | Number of Somalis | % of Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia | 12,000,000 | 100% |
| Kenya | 2,000,000 | 4.2% |
| Ethiopia | 1,500,000 | 1.8% |
| Djibouti | 900,000 | 88.3% |
| Yemen | 500,000 | 0.8% |
| United States | 150,000 | 0.05% |
| United Arab Emirates | 100,000 | 1.4% |
References to the Somalis Ethnic Group
Some references to dig deeper about Somali ethnic include:
We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Somalis. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.
