The instrumental theme tune is popular, catchy and authoritative – perfect for the coloniser’s news service. Unfortunately, everyone knows the lyrics

The British Broadcasting Corporation’s Somali service theme tune is one of the most popular and recognisable sounds for people in Somalia and the diaspora. With a whistling rhythm and melody, it is authoritative and catchy. The words that follow the music haven’t changed for more than 60 years: “Halkaniwaa BBC – this is the BBC.”

Hiding in plain acoustics, however, is the fact that the lyrics originally written – although not used – for the music are deeply anti-colonial, and deliberately designed to be remembered by Somalis every time they listen to the British radio station’s instrumental. In essence, the theme is an anti-colonial free ad on the coloniser’s airwaves, a fervent proclamation and calling to attention for the public.

Dadkaan dhawaaqayaa,

Dhulkooda doonayaa,