Identity The Somalis are most closely related to the Rendille and the Afar, and distantly related to the Oromos, all Eastern Cushite peoples.
Somalis are not a unitary people group, but a grouping of broad clan federations divided by language and by clan conflicts.
Although all Somalis profess strong allegiance to Islam, they hold stronger primary loyalties to self, family and clan, in that order.
Language
CultureIslam and poetry have been described as the twin pillars of Somali culture.
The clan structure and the nomadic lifestyle are also major influences.
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Somalia has the distinction of being one of only a handful of African countries that are composed almost entirely of one ethnic group, the Somalis.
Traditional bands like Waaberi Horseed have gained a small following outside the country.
Others, like Maryam Mursal, have fused Somali traditional music with rock, bossa nova, hip hop, and jazz, influences.
Native instruments include the batar drum.
Somalia has also produced native hip hop crews like the Skyhigh Family.