09/09/2026
With heavy hearts we mourn the loss of Osman Bulle, beloved father, devoted husband, and an icon of Somali dance and culture. إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ He was a gifted choreographer and master craftsman, Osman made traditional props by hand and generously donated many pieces to the Somali museum. He rose to prominence in the 1970s as one of the youngest members of the Waaberi Folklore dancers and shared his art across the world, from Nigeria and China to the UAE, always healing and uplifting others with his dancing and unaccompanied singing.
For decades Osman made his home in Boston, where he lived with warmth, laughter, and an open hand. A tireless supporter of nonprofits, he raised funds and worked for the homeless, orphans, and people in need. He loved his country Somalia and his adopted home in America, and he gave himself freely, hugs, smiles, stories, and the gift of joy through performance.
We last celebrated Osman when he received the Somali Museum Living Legend Award at the 2023 10th Anniversary Celebration at the Ames Center. His spirit, generosity, and art live on in every person he touched and every dance he taught. Rest in peace, Osman Bulle, your footsteps will echo forever.
