However, at the behest of friends, he decided to first take part in the 1971 edition of Heesaha Hirgalay, a talent show competition that was at the time Somalia's equivalent of American Idol.
Samatar has acted in more than two dozen plays, ranging from melodramatic and socially conscious pieces to romantic productions.
On August 14, 2010, Samatar received a lifetime achievement award from leaders of the Somali community in Minneapolis.
A spokesman for Eagle Media, which had put together the tribute dinner and gala party, indicated that the organization had sought to present Samatar the prize years earlier but was waiting for the artist to return to Minnesota.
He settled down Djibouti since 2015 and had a new baby with his new wife Popular songs by Samatar include: "Saylo" duet with sahra Axmed