# Saylici (genre)

The Saylici genre, originating from the historic coastal town of Zeyla (Saylac) in Somalia, is a rich oral tradition that encompasses music, storytelling, and dance. This genre, deeply rooted in Somali culture, has been passed down through generations and remains an integral part of Zeyla’s artistic and cultural identity.

## Music and songs

Zeyla Songs, locally known asSeylici, form a significant part of the Saylici genre. These songs include various forms such as lullabies, festival chants, and ceremonial hymns. Traditionally, they are performed during weddings, clan gatherings, and annual jubilee celebrations in Zeyla. The performances are characterized by repetitive choruses sung solo or in groups, often accompanied by simple percussion instruments.
A unique aspect of Saylici music is its linguistic complexity. While all songs are in Somali, many incorporate Arabic words and phrases or words from other neighbouring languages, reflecting the region's Islamic and trade influences.

## Literary and poetic elements

The Saylici tradition also extends to oral poetry and storytelling, which preserve the history and legends of the region. These narratives frequently reference:
* Heroic figures from Somali and Islamic history, including rulers like Sa‘ad ad-Dīn, a 15th-century king of Barr Sa'ad ad-Dīn.
* Maritime trade, describing interactions with merchants from Arabia, Persia, and India.
* Religious devotion, with songs dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad and local Islamic scholars.
The genre's linguistic blend has led to speculation that some of the older texts and songs are composed in an archaic form of Somali or a lost dialect.

## Dance and performance

Saylici dance forms accompany many of these musical traditions, with men and women participating in rhythmic, repetitive movements. These dances are particularly common during festivals and religious ceremonies. Dancers move in synchronized steps, often forming circles or lines, while vocalists lead chants that are echoed by the group.

## Historical and cultural significance

Zeyla, a historic port on the Gulf of Aden, was a major center of commerce from the 13th to the 19th century, linking Africa, Arabia, and the Indian Ocean world. The Saylici tradition reflects this multicultural past, preserving elements from different linguistic and cultural influences.
Despite modern changes, the Saylici genre remains a symbol of cultural identity for the people of Zeyla and the broader Somali community. Efforts are being made to document and preserve this heritage, as many of its songs and stories remain orally transmitted.

## 19th century Saylici songs

The famous Austrian explorer and geographer, P. V. Paulitschke, mentioned that in 1886, the British General and Assistant Political Resident at Zeila, J. S. King, recorded a famous Somali folk song native to Zeila and titled: "To my Beloved", which was written by a Gadabuursi man to a girl of the same tribe. The song became hugely popular throughout Zeila despite it being incomprehensible to the other Somalis.
Philipp Paulitschke (1893) mentions about the song:
   "To my Beloved: Ancient song of the Zeilans (Ahl Zeila), which Major J. S. King dictated to a hundred-year-old man in 1886. The song was incomprehensible to the Somâl. It is undoubtedly written by a Gadaburssi and addressed to a girl of the same tribe."
Lyrics of the song in Somali translated to English: