The Horn of Africa is often referred to as the ‘nation of poets’. As the Somali culture is predominantly and historically an oral one, most of its history and storytelling has been narrated through poetic art forms. Somali poetry is hugely diverse; some are traditionally recited by men such as gabay, and others, like buraanbur, are recited by women. 

This evening will celebrate and showcase the best of Somali poetry, presenting the work of artists who are creatively reviving and reworking these traditional art forms. 

Writer and scholar Rashid Sheikh Abdillahi will be in conversation with poet Ibrahim Hersi Hurre ‘Dayrwaa’.

Ibrahim Hersi Hurre ‘Dayrwaa’ is a well known contemporary poet in the Horn of Africa and beyond.  Born in the suburbs of Hargeysa in 1958, he spent his early youth as a nomad, which enabled him to acquire a great deal of traditional folklore.   His poetic talents had developed long before moving to Hargeysa. He has produced well over 80 poems on various subjects. Most notable are those that embrace political issues and are mainly directed against the military dictatorship of the Siad Barre regime in the 1980s.  Yet many others deal with pertinent social issues, which have gained wider popularity including his acclaimed Damal, Aardoon, Buufis. 

Concert: Life performances with Daud Ali Masahaf, Nimco Degan, and Said Hussein

Daud Ali Masahaf is a visiting artist, lute player and vocalist from Mogadishu who now resides in Djibouti after fleeing the Somali civil war. Masahaf is one of the greatest Somali lute players who had the privilege of performing with legends the likes of Magool, Khadra Daahir, and Mandeeq. With 40 years of experience under his belt, he has upheld the tradition of lute playing prior to and following the collapse of the state in 1990. Said Hussein is prominent lute players and drummers. He will play for Nimco Degan and Nimco Yaasin, a famous vocalist living the UK. 

Event Details

Chair: Cabdilahi Cawad Cigge

Oxford House in Bethnal Green

Derbyshire Street

E2 6HG London

United Kingdom

Saturday, 24 October 2015 from 18:00 to 22:00 (BST)