This episode features Sagal Bihi who is currently a Member of Somali Federal Parliament, House of the People. In this episode she takes us on a timeline of her activism and subsequently how development has looked like in Mogadishu. The title of this episode comes from the late John Lewis of GA's personal ideologies around being a positive force for change in your society. He said, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you ...
Aug 12, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 21
Ragga Dambe: Sharma Boy – Voice of a Generation This episode marks the first installment of Ragga Dambe: A Profile on Somali Male Artists and Vulnerability — a series exploring the emotional depth, creativity, and cultural impact of Somali male musicians. And who better to start with than Sharma Boy? Sharma Boy is one of the most exciting and provocative voices in Somali rap today. Known for his raw lyrics, bold delivery, and unapologetic presence, he’s become a symbol of both resistance and res...
Jul 30, 2021•21 min•Ep. 20
This episode features Liin, who is a Somali Canadian human-centered researcher, strategist and futurist. We discuss her research on the Somali Canadian diaspora and what the future holds. (Maybe even a female Somali president!!) Listen to this conversation as two diaspora born Somalis own their roots in the West and envision what the future would look like there. For more on Liin, check her out here: https://liinnur.com.
Jul 08, 2021•44 min•Ep. 19
Its July, the best month of the year, and only right to bring back ISIRKA now. This second season, Imagining a Brighter Future, is focused on what the future could bring. We discussed the past a lot in Season 1 and now we are collectively imagining a brighter future, with the understanding of our roots and identity. Stay tuned for a lot more!! The song in the middle is Sahra Ahmed- Wax Garad
Jul 01, 2021•15 min•Ep. 18
In this final Episode of Season 1, I wrap up and reflect on this journey of going back home, of podcasting and my appreciation of my roots. To stay tuned to the journey follow the podcast on instagram: @_isirka and www.ISIRKA.com for more!
Apr 29, 2021•19 min•Ep. 17
The book we referred to was Abdi Ismail Samatar's "Africa's First Democrats Somalia's Aden A. Osman and Abdirazak H. Hussen"
Apr 07, 2021•48 min•Ep. 16
Another one for the Ladies that came before us. Playlist: Hablayahow Hadmaan Gursaan Doontaan - Sado Ali, Qamar Harawo, Hibo Nuura, Feynus Sh. Dahir Beled Xawo- Binti Cumar Gacal Xaafuun- Khadra Dahir Cige Jaceeyl - Fadumo Ahmed Dhimbil Bal Qofyahow- Sahra Ahmed Walee Aniga Caashaqu - Saynab Cige Naftaydaa Ku Jiraban- Sado Ali Dhayal- Sahra Ali Hassan Markaad Iga Magnaatide- Asha Abdow Malaika Tawaawac - Shamso Cumar Dumar baan ahaa- Xabiba Xasan Tooxow Xujo - Yurub Geenyo Ma ogatahay - Khadija ...
Mar 31, 2021•59 min
So if you ever wanted to hear parts of my experience (all of it - the good, the bad and anything in between) of going back home, here it is! This episode is discussing my master's thesis research on diaspora returnees, "When reality crashes the imagination" and we discuss how my trip home crashed my imagination of it. Suhur has come back and we go to 2015, 2016 and to the future to discuss my engagement with the country, culture and of course, the arts. Enjoy!
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 15
Mar 12, 2021•43 min•Ep. 14
Includes: Ahmed Zaki'-Goobile Nagib Wadane Kaabe Nuur Daalacay - Somaliland and Hoobey Hodan Abdirahman & others - Benadir Abdulqadir Jubba - Daawo Dacaalada Suldan Seeraar - Hargeysa Abdulqadir Sulub- Heestii Rabasso Hasan Adan Samatar - Beledweyne Fardussa VIP - Boorama Ali Dhaanto -Dhulka Hooyo Nimco Dareen- Dhaanto Somaliland Last song: Hassan Adan Samatar - Balanbalis/ Sida Meel Barwaaqo Ah...
Mar 05, 2021•29 min
If you would've told me I'd still be talking about going to Ceelsheikh all these years later I would not have believed you. But we love stories ! This episode is all about a diaspora roadtrip to Ceelsheikh that is a warning tale for how not to do trips in Somaliland. We never made it to our destination but we learned how to have fun along the way and build community. Enjoy!
Feb 25, 2021•40 min•Ep. 13
"You know very well who you are - Don't let them hold you down, reach for the stars" - Notorious BIG This episode is dedicated to my late friend who embodied that Biggie quote, and held up eastern and western culture together in a great way. One of the first people I met & was truly a great person. RIP my dude
Feb 18, 2021•15 min•Ep. 12
Check out her page on instagram.com/EatinginXamar
Feb 11, 2021•38 min•Ep. 11
in this episode, I share a bit about what the search to Somaliland gave me. In following tradition of diaspora going back to the motherland, "Nina Simone, went to Africa (Liberia in 1974) in search of peace, or a husband, or maybe the feeling of home." What do you think brings Somalis back today? Stay tuned to next couple episodes to hear what this looks like for some!
Jan 29, 2021•19 min•Ep. 10
As a lil thank you to my listeners so far, enjoy this mix- it might just be your hooyo's playlist or your fav!! Let me know what you think!
Jan 19, 2021•40 min
Check out his documentary, Limit to Submission Read my piece about him: https://isirka.com/writings/with-strong-roots-one-will-bloom-beyond-belief-in-the-memory-of-dr-hussein-tanzani-adam
Jan 14, 2021•29 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, I talk to Weris as she comes to terms with her own Somali identity. We unravel Ntozake Shange's famous quote "being alive and woman is all I got but being (Somali) is a metaphysical dilemma I haven't conquered yet". We discuss what she's learned and experienced living in Somaliland as a child and later on as an adult. Enjoy!
Dec 30, 2020•34 min•Ep. 8
in this episode we discuss the history, culture and stories that brought us to the country. I brought along Suhur, my fellow Somali culture stan and we discuss our appreciation for the artists that came before us with a desire to bring the riwaayads and fun of the 80s back.
Dec 18, 2020•33 min•Ep. 7
Check their youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjApCe1x162dGg7Y9hYyUHw
Nov 21, 2020•34 min•Ep. 6
My dad's life is shaped by speaking out, connecting to people and enjoying life. In this episode he takes us through his life to gain a better sense of what experiences led to the person he is today. Like he loves to tell people,THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!
Oct 22, 2020•37 min•Ep. 5
A lil love letter to Xamar/Mogadishu. In this episode, I continue the journey from where my mom's story took us: Mogadishu. Here I share my reflections of visiting this great Somali city.
Oct 08, 2020•15 min•Ep. 4
The motherland, our mother tongue, mother nature, everything starts with the mother . Listen here to MY mama reminiscing on her upbringing in her homeland. She takes us from the miyi to Mogadishu (the big city) all while recalling the women and places she's called home.
Sep 24, 2020•30 min•Ep. 3
In the town of Gabiley, Somaliland lovers plant trees on the side of the road. My grandpa planted his roots here and I came back to visit years after his passing. The town that rooted him, brought me peace and appreciation for the small things. "Kill All but the crows" documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNBTlc2wHU8
Sep 10, 2020•15 min•Ep. 2
Allow me to re-introduce myself...Welcome to ISIKRA, A digital journey of self discovery and Somali musings. Check out more at ISIRKA.com
Aug 26, 2020•14 min•Ep. 1
