Flamboyant Lord Mayor makes UK council dance to Somali beats

Lord Mayor Magid Magid is Sheffield Council's first Green Party Lord Mayor

Councillor Magid Magid, in his now famous pose after inauguration as Sheffield's Lord Mayor Photos Chris Saunders

A video of local UK representatives dancing to Somali beats has made the rounds on social media after the flamboyant Lord Mayor Magid Magid played some tunes from his ancestral land.

Mr Magid, who became the youngest person to serve as mayor in Sheffield at age 29 and the town's first Muslim representative, is known for introducing poets, musicians and comedians to entertain full council meetings and for wearing a different coloured hat each time he chairs a meeting.

On Wednesday he posted a video on Twitter from the council meeting, saying: “Oh and then I decided to have a break during the council meeting to play and dance to some Somali music and jungle, cuz why not! Lol.”

An improvised DJs, set up at the back of the room, was spinning Somali tubes while UK public officers danced and laughed to the beats.

Kaltum Osman Rivers, also a representative of the Green Party in Sheffield and the first woman of African descent to hold the post, was filmed dancing. Jackie Drayton, a Labour Cabinet member, also joined the party.

The tweet was met with approval by many and scorn by others. A user identified as Steve said: “I pay my council tax for this! Absolutely disappointed in you all....”

Mr Magid – also known by his nickname “Magic Magid” – announced earlier this year he will stand down at the local elections in May and won’t be seeking a re-election when his current term ends. He said he will be leaving to concentrate on new projects and that it had been an “absolute honour and privilege” to represent his community.

"I look forward to working hard as a ward councillor and Lord Mayor for the remaining months of my term. No thanks could be enough to give to all you wonderful people for all your love and support," he said.