K'Naan Overview

K'Naan (born Kanaan Warsame ) is a Somali-born rapper currently working in Canada. His powerful lyrics are influenced by Somalia's rich poetic tradition and describe the plight of Somalis and other Africans. He grew up listening to hip-hop albums that his... [more]

K'Naan (born Kanaan Warsame ) is a Somali-born rapper currently working in Canada. His powerful lyrics are influenced by Somalia's rich poetic tradition and describe the plight of Somalis and other Africans. He grew up listening to hip-hop albums that his father, already living in America, would send to him. In 1991, he and the rest of his family fled the country on the last available flight of Mogadishu. His family settled in Toronto, where he gained enough command of the English language to perform as a rapper. He eventually caught the attention of Senegalese artist Youssou N'Dour, who invited him on tour and helped launch his career. His albums include The Dusty Foot Philosopher (2005), The Dusty Foot on the Road (Live) (2007), and Troubadour (2009). His music samples elements of Somali music and Ethiopian Afro-jazz (a choice he compares to Kanye West's use of American soul music). He has been critical of the handling of the Somali pirate situation by the US and other nations and has earned media attention for these views. [show less]