K'naan

K'naan (Not to be confused with Kna'an) (Keinaan, meaning travaller in Somali, born 1978) is a poet and hip-hop artist from Somalia. Born in Mogadishu, at age 13 he left for New York City with his mother and brother and finally settled in Rexdale, Ontario, Canada.

In 2001 K'naan performed in Geneva at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In 2005, he performed with DobaCaracol during the Live 8 concert in Barrie, Ontario. His full-length debut album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, was released in 2005.

His song "Soobax" (pronounced "So-Bah") is now featured in the best selling video game FIFA Football 2006, made by Electronic Arts.

K'naan participated in the Breedlove Odyssey Tour with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae. He also participated in the "Welcome To Jamrock" tour along with Damian Marley.

The Dusty Foot Philosopher received a 2006 Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year, and was nominated for the inaugural Polaris Music Prize. He also featured in a song by M1, titled "Till We Get There".

He also toured with Stephen Marley on Stephen's "Mind Control" tour.