ISIRKA

S6EP6. In this final episode of my Hargeisa subseries, I take you on a personal sonic journey through Hargeisa — the city that feels like rhythm, memory, and movement all at once. These are the songs that remind me of long drives through the city, of laughter in courtyards, and of quiet moments watching the sunset fade behind the hills. Each track carries a story: of belonging, of rediscovery, of what it means to feel at home in a place that still surprises me. From timeless Somali classics to the songs that filled my playlists during late night rides — this is m...

S6EP5. This episode is the second installment of my YouTube conversations, with Samiya Hashi of Somaliland Tourists- you can watch this episode on YouTube @isirkapodcast. We discussed the way the return home allowed us an ability to connect with our foremothers and live according to their advice and example. Samiya has been living in Hargeisa with her foremothers for the past few years and shared the realities of living in a female only household admist a male dominated society. We of course took the conversation to discuss music as well and the overall learnings from being in the motherland. 🎧 Lis...

S6EP4. This episode is a little different — the tables are turned, and I’m the one being interviewed. ✨This episode is the first installment of our YouTube conversations, you can watch this episode on YouTube @isirkapodcast. Samiya, the brilliant soul behind Somaliland Tourists (on Youtube) , sat down with me to talk about my work with ISIRKA, my journey and why storytelling, culture, and identity are at the heart of everything I do. We talked about what it means to grow up rooted in stories, to hold onto language and music, and to build spaces where Somali people can see and he...

S6EP3. A celebration of resilience, rhythm, and roots. This curated soundtrack is a tribute to the soul of Hargeisa — a city of poets, storytellers, and survivors. From nostalgic Somali classics to contemporary tracks that echo the city's evolving spirit, Sounds of Hargeisa blends traditional melodies with modern vibes. Each song reflects a different shade of the city's culture: its warmth, its hustle, its hope, and its history. Whether you're walking its dusty roads or dreaming of its skyline from afar, these songs bring Hargeisa to life — one beat at a time.

S6EP2. In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on my journey to Hargeisa — the lessons, the growth, and the undeniable impact it had on my life. From new opportunities and self-discovery to the people I met along the way, this experience reshaped how I see the world. But with the beauty came heartbreak. Some of those I connected with are no longer with us, and this episode is also a tribute to their memory. Join me as I unpack the complex layers of this chapter — the gains that pushed me forward, and the losses that left a mark.

S6EP1. This episode is the first of Season 6:Hargeisa Homecoming. In this introductory episode I share a little about what my Hargiesa trip was like. This was such an enriching and fulfilling trip and I've thoroughly enjoyed all the different learning lessons of this summer. This season will shed light on my personal experiences and reflections and I'm really giving Hargeisa its time. Whether you've been to Hargeisa or are just curious about the heartbeat of Somaliland, this episode sets the tone for a season rooted in reflection, reconnection, and rediscovery. Join me as we begin this new chapter — on...

S5EP13. We’re closing out Season 5: For the Music with none other than the King of Summer 2025—Ilkacase Qays. I began the summer with a written piece about him on my Substack (aminaisir.substack.com), and it feels only right to end the season with this music mix, a sonic journey through his discography. Often celebrated as the King of Somali rap, Ilkacase’s artistry stretches far beyond his sharp verses and anthems. In this mix, I’m spotlighting his softer side—the love songs that earned him the name Qays. That title wasn’t given in vain. Across his career...

S5EP12. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Christina Woolner, the author of Love Songs in Motion: Voicing Intimacy in Somaliland, to explore the deep cultural significance of Somali love songs. Together, we unpack the ways music, poetry, and performance shape expressions of intimacy, identity, and social connection in Somaliland. Dr. Woolner shares her research journey, weaving in stories about the lives and voices behind these songs, and how they reflect shifting notions of love, gender, and belonging in Somali society. We recorded this conversation after we had a conversation about her book during London Somali Week Festival. Join...

S5EP11. This episode is a music mix highlighting the singers that were apart of this year's London Somali Week Festival. You know I love the music and I truly enjoyed the singers that were apart of this year's festival. For a full track list: 5:07- "Biyo Dhacay"- Nimco Yasiin 8:29- "Bal Soo Orad" - Dalmar Yare 11:11- "Saameyn"- Hanad Bandz 13:34- Ashqaraar- Farxiya Fiska & Fuad Cadde 17:09- An Anniversary song for Hereri and his wife- Sir Mahamoud Omar 19:10- "Calaf"- Yurub Geenyo & Șir Mahamoud Omar 23:21- "Ma Iloobi"- Hanad Bandz 25:44- "Ku Siyaay Nafta"- N...

S5EP10. Reclaiming one's roots goes on a journey with documentary film maker and artist, Kasim Wise. We discuss his Fashion film and his first documentary, "Somaliland Ha Nolato" which screened at the BFI (British Film Institute) and in Hargeysa. In this conversation we discuss both screenings and the journey from inception to the present. This is part one of a conversation with Kasim Wise so stay tuned for pt2. This conversation highlights the ways in which you can utilize your creativity to seek a connection to cultural heritage, advocacy and standing firm in what you believe in. 

S5EP9. Another Music Mix but this one is focusing on the contemporary love songs that I've really enjoyed this year. This episode is mainly to bring together Mursal Muse and Hodan Abdirahman's duets but there's a couple of other great songs on this mix as well. For a full track list: 2:00- "Wan Dhabawday"- Mursal Muse and Hodan Abdirahman 4:50- "Qalbigaan Ka Midawnay"- Ikraan Caraale and Maxamed Maame 7:16- Iga Hiili Caashaqa- Khadar Keeyow 11:20- Adiga Sowmaha- Nimcaan Hilaac 15:30- Ictiraf Jacayl- Rahma Hassan 18:20- Iga Dhawr Cidlada- Khaalid Kaamil and Warda Happy 21:20- Dhantaadii Aan Midoowno...

S5EP8. Another year of ISIRKA, and a bit of a reflection and appreciation of the journey. I do these reflections every so often but this one is in honor of four years of the podcast.

S5EP7. This mix is of Saado Ali Warsame songs. On the eve of Somalia independence day, I’d like to share the music of one of the only Somali woman singers who had a political platform.

S5EP6. This Ragga Dambe episode features the young sensation, Saalax Sanaag. Enjoy these love songs!!

S5EP5. This episode is a conversation I had with one of my favorite singers, Nimcaan Hilaac! We went on a journey- across time and space to discuss his career - as a singer and activist across the Horn of Africa. I learned alot about Nimcaan's work during this conversation and was impressed about what he was able to do at such a young age.

S5EP4. This mix of Nimcaan Hilaac's songs is a complement to the interview I had with him. I really went back into his discography and pulled his earlier songs that I really liked and mixed in some newer ones. I enjoyed putting this mix together and hope you do as well1

S5EP3. I'm bringing back the Ragga Dambe series for this episode on Qamar Suugaani. It's a bit longer because Qamar has hits. This episode was a long time in the making and I really enjoyed putting this together!!

S5EP2. Will this entire season be about Somali love songs? Maybe! This episode is a compilation of the ultimate lovergirl, Yurub Geenyo's songs. Nothing will bring to your feels like a Yurub Geenyo song!! Enjoy this episode almost as much as I did.

S5EP1. This episode is kicking off this new season dedicated to appreciating Somali music. This episode in particular is focusing on LOVE within a Somali context. For the tracklist of this episode: 08:56: Saxarla- Maxamed Mooge 12:00- Adaa Dumar Ugu Sitoo- Qamar Suugani 14:24- Jamasho- Ahmed Mooge & Sahra Ahmed 18:27- Cunaabi- Muuse Qalinle and Saado Ali Warsame 22:50 - Hees Xasuus- Deeqsan Abdinasir & Qamar Suugani 25:44- Ismoodsiis- Cabdi Ciise Cajuun & Safiya Tusmo 29:00- Caashaqaaga Awgii- Khadra Dahir & Saalax Qaasim 32:05- Nacabku Waligii Ha Daalo- Amin Yare 334:48- Qalanjo - Khadra Dahir & Hassan Adan Samatar

S4EP15. This episode is wrap up of 2023, Isirka and the learnings that I've gained so far. Suhur moderated this conversation as we discuss the future for ISIRKA as well. Enjoy this episode and Happy New Year!

S4EP14. This episode is a true reflection episode on claiming and taking up space within your cultural heritage. This is the last episode of Season 4, Hardly Home, Always Repping. Stay tuned for more from ISIRKA.

S4EP13. This episode is a conversation with Hassan Ali Daoud, who is a medical doctor from Somaliland. We discuss his personal activism around healthcare reform and his engagement with international educational opportunities to bring change to the healthcare sector in the Somali regions. This was a fantastic conversation and please follow Hassan's journey on twitter.com/ZeyitAli. The title of this episode comes from a Somali proverb, "If we come together, we can mend a crack in the sky" this conversation illuminates that sentiment.

To break up all the social media chatter around the Somali political situation, a new ISIRKA mix focused on the fictive imagination of a love struck society. Which songs do you like most? I went across time and space and brought together some favorites, some songs from the 60's, some contemporary songs and of course some classic qaraami songs. Enjoy this mix!

S4EP12. This episode is a fantastic conversation with Aziz Faarah on reclaiming and learning how to engage with our cultural heritage and language. We recorded this conversation right on the heels of the Somali Centre for Cultural Recreation's exhibit at Nuit Blanche on September 23. In this conversation we discuss Aziz's connection to home, language and cultural preservation. Enjoy this conversation ! Check Aziz out on twitter.com/azizfaarah.

S4EP11. This episode is pt. 2 of the conversation with Khadija Charif and Mohamud Mumin of Soomaal House. We touched on Khadija's latest exhibit, The Blooming Lotus Flower that had just premiered at Soomaal House. We touch on identity, gender and art in this conversation. This episode also illuminates the beauty of giving each other their flowers while they are still here, how we are nutured and what elements are necessary to bloom. Enjoy!

The title is self explanatory but I had a great summer in Minneapolis!

S4EP9. This episode features artists Mohamud Mumin (http://hundredmp.com) and Khadija Charif (https://khadijacharif.pixieset.com) of Soomaal House, a Somali gallery & artists collective in Minneapolis, MN. We discuss their art, positionally and Somali cultural art forms. This is pt.1 of a two part conversation with the artists. Check out their work and Soomaal House generally.

S4EP8. This is part 2 of a conversation with Nasra Ismail on Crisis to Repair. This episode in particular focuses on repair and what that looks like. It was a great conversation and I hope you've enjoyed hearing more from Nasra. Read here for more: https://www.alliancemagazine.org/feature/lessons-in-repair/

S4EP7. This episode is capturing some of the hot songs that are popping this summer sung by the current queens of Somali music. This mix includes, highlights and celebrates the work of Shaadiyo Sharaf, Nadira Neyruus, Roda Kayf, Haboon Nuura and Miss Xiis. Enjoy this mix!!

S4EP6. Crisis to Repair Pt. 1. This is part 1 of a conversation with Nasra Ismail on Crisis to Repair. We discuss her life she since the last time we spoke on Isirka (deep in the pandemic) and the ways she's been able to re-examine her life and sense of normal. Pt.2 focusing on repair will be dropping next week, Stay tuned!

S4EP5. This episode is in honor and appreciation of Hodan Abdirahman Dheere, one of my current fav singers.

S4EP4. In this episode I reflect on my favorite childhood memory of going to Italy for the summer. It wasn't a luxury vacation but a way to see family and have a change of scenery. This was one of the first trips that set a foundation for making my world a little bigger and showed me by example how sweet life could be. Italy continues to nourish my soul -- and stomach every time I go.

S4EP3. In this episode, I reflect on my positionally in regards to being Somali and diaspora. This episode is titled "Beyond the Box" to envision and imagine what we are beyond the rigid sense of identity we currently hold. ISIRKA has been a great way to own how I navigate and make sense of these identities. I share some lessons, some examples of growth and some appreciation for the journey- good and bad. Stay connected to ISIRKA on Instagram & ISIRKA.com

S4EP2. I recorded this episode in Fall 2022, after I had an amazing summer across East Africa. This episode and reflection only touches on a bit of what it was like there for me, in regards to identity, culture and belonging. There is so much more I have to share about East Africa and I truly loved being there. It was home in a comfortable and familiar way and I'm so appreciative! Stay tuned to more of what ISIRKA is doing @ ISIRKA.com

Stay along for journey here! 

S3EP15. Ending off the podcast with an English translation of my mom's podcast episode about her story and experiences. Thank you to those who have been tuned in and please follow isirka on instagram for more. Support ISIRKA here: https://bmc.link/isirkam

S3EP14. Another music mix! This mix is of contemporary singers singing songs of the great female artists that came before them! Support ISIRKA here: https://bmc.link/isirkam

S3EP13. Isirka Reflections. This podcast originally served as a way for me to document my stories and experiences in traveling to Somali lands + across the diaspora. However, now after a couple years of producing this podcast centered on identity, culture and belonging I've learned a few things and want to grow in different ways. In this episode, I touch on a bit of my journey and some "aha moments" I've had recently. It's never over and as Nipsey Hussle used to say "The Marathon Continues". Follow isirka on instagram @ _isirka to be in tuned in for more!

S3EP12. Ragga Dambe: Jigjiga Sounds. An appreciation for the dhaanto and various sounds coming from the JigJiga area. Tracklist: 0:37- Shaygoosh/Honeymoon dalki hooyo - Jaango 6:20- Dhulkii Hooyo- Ali Dhaanto 7:40- Sanadguuraadii Ogadenia- Suldaan Seerar 9:02- Yarta Dheerey- Ali Dhaanto 10:45- Hakaraamo Seegin - Ilkacase Qays ft. Xariir Axmed 11:50- Iska Iloow- Ilkacase Qays 14:30- Dhibsaday Fogaantaada- Xariir Axmed 17:50- Shabax 20:00- Galmudug- Ilkacase Qays 21:27- Sool- Ahmed Budul 23:35- Dollar iyo Qurbo - Ali Dhaanto & Xariir Ahmed 28:00 - Liin Macaan - Xariir Ahmed 31:00 - Beer Lula- Ilkacase Qays 33:20- Nacabku Darbiyada Ha Jiidho - Xariir Ahmed & Najma...

S3EP11. This episode features Ahmed who is a staunch community advocate, Somali and overall a positive role model. He shared bits of his own story, including his childhood back home in Ethiopia, adapting to the US and developing a passion for running. He runs a social media account, @Shaahoftheday, where he shares more of his thoughts and culturally rooted but honest perspective. This conservation touches on making sense of Somali identity in the diaspora, the state of the community and ultimately how to create your own lane. Enjoy this convo!