Nimco Happy's big break shows why we should harness local talent

In the last month, a little known Kenyan-based Somali musician acquired international fame. Nimco Elmi Ali (pictured), known by her stage name, Nimco Happy, is a new star. Her name is often mispronounced though. In the Somali language, the letter 'C' is pronounced as ‘e, a consonant sound that resembles the letter 'A'. Somali is heavily influenced by the Arabic language and the Arabic letter ‘ain’ is similar to the Somali letter 'C' or Arabic 'E'. So, Nimco becomes Nimo.