Lewiston welcomes ‘King of Somali Hip-Hop’ at community celebration
Lewiston hosts “Midnimo” – a celebration of Somali culture and community
Friday, Oct. 19 – Lewiston, Maine
The Agora Palace Event Center on Bates Street played host to a vibrant night of music, dancing, and civic engagement on Friday evening as the Somali community gathered for the “Midnimo: Unity” celebration. The word “Midnimo,” meaning unity, solidarity, or peace in Somali, guided an event designed to strengthen bonds and give voices a platform in a city that continues to grow in cultural diversity.
The two headline acts were Somali hip‑hop artists Ilkacase Qeys, known locally as the “King of Somali Hip‑Hop,” and Dalmar Yare. Both performers entertained a crowd of several hundred, who danced to a mix of traditional Somali rhythms and modern beats that echoed through the center’s main hall. The event also featured spontaneous photo‑sessions, with attendees capturing moments of joy and solidarity.
Organized by the Community Organizing Alliance (COA) and Coffee By Design in partnership with local community groups, the evening was coordinated by event organizer Mohamed Khalid. Khalid, a longtime Lewiston resident, stepped onto the stage to encourage participants to embrace their culture and community. “Beyond the music, we also incorporated nonpartisan civic engagement, a core part of COA’s work,” Khalid told the audience. “We had voter registration cards and voter commitment opportunities available to encourage civic participation, particularly among young people and immigrant families who may face barriers to accessing information and engaging in the civic process.” His remarks underscored the event’s dual focus on celebration and empowerment.
Voter registration booths set up near the entrance offered attendees a chance to sign up to vote or pledge to support community initiatives. Many young people and families, some of whom are recent immigrants, took advantage of the resources provided by COA and its partners. In addition to registering to vote, guests were encouraged to learn about local issues affecting the Lewiston area.
The night also featured community-building activities. Participants sat on low benches, shared stories, and exchanged photographs of family members and friends. Among the photos was a snapshot of Safiya Khalid showing her friend Hasno a picture on her phone, a testament to the close-knit network that has grown among Somali residents in the region.
“Midnimo isn’t just about music; it’s about building relationships, empowering people, and ensuring our voices are heard in decisions that affect our communities,” said Khalid in his closing address. “Tonight, we celebrated our heritage and reaffirmed our commitment to working together for a better future.”
The Agora Palace Event Center, located at 220 Bates Street, has become a popular venue for community events. Its central location and welcoming atmosphere made it an ideal backdrop for a night that highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of Lewiston.
As the night drew to a close, many attendees left with fresh voter registrations in hand, a deeper sense of belonging, and a renewed connection to the Somali community that has become a growing part of the city’s cultural landscape.
