[1] It serves as the highest women's literary genre, and is subdivided into the hoyal, hoobeeyo and sitaat (religious song) verse forms.
[2] The buraanbur traditionally served as an important and powerful medium used by women throughout Greater Somalia to share their thoughts, experiences and aspirations.
[3] The poems can also deal with social and political issues in general, and are sometimes accompanied by drums, clapping, and dancing.
It continues to play an important role by conveying political, social and educational messages and general awareness raising.
Poems composed by Halima Godane, Raha Ayaanle Guled and Hawa Jibril were powerful instruments in mobilizing constituencies against the colonial authorities.