Explore every episode of the podcast 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 my soundtrack to the city that continues to shape my heart and my work. Join me as we listen, reminisce, and explore what Hargeisa sounds like to me.

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. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join us in this reflection on belonging, womanhood, and the beauty of being rooted in your people.

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 — one filled with stories of place, belonging, and the ties that shape us.

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, Ilkacase has given us timeless ballads that blend vulnerability with swagger, making his catalogue just as much about love and longing as it is about energy and grit. This episode is a celebration of his range: from the romantic tracks that tug at the heart to the unforgettable banger that made this summer his. So press play, enjoy the mix, and let’s honor Ilkacase Qays as he closes out this season of the podcast: for the Music. For a full track list: 2:58- Nafaqayso 3:22- Baarka Sare ft. Ahmed Jabiye 4:20- Somali Baan Ahay ft. Ahmed Jabiye 5:28- Idaadahee ft. Iqra Yare 9:08- Ayaan Dhalad 12:48- Billion Dhan ft. Mohamed Biibshe 15:05- Queen Huda 15:45- Axdi ft. Kiin Jaamac 18:11- Gabdhahenow Xaalqaata ft. Ahmed Jabiye 20:50- Geenyadii Maalin Guur 23:23- Jacayl Qabya Tiran 25:31- Lamataabtaan 27:18- Miro Dhadhan Macaan ft. Kiin Jaamac 30:04- Kaalay Nafta Maamulo ft. Katriina 32:34- Iska Iloow 35:33- Dahab Lamoodyey 36:03- Sacabka ii Tuma 36:59- State of Abdi Kumade

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 us for an engaging conversation that blends scholarship, storytelling, and a shared passion for Somali cultural expression.

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"- Najma Nashaad 29:50- "Hablaha"- Safwan Halac 32:41- "Adoo Qalanja Ah"- Dalmar Yare 34:43- "Macankii Dunida"- Nimco Yasiin

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- Ilkacase Qays 24:10- Qalibi Nuuriya - Suldaan Seeraar 28:15- Allow Nin Rageed Ikaaba- Yurub Geenyo 34:28- Hello- Mursal Muse and Hodan Abdirahman

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

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!

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!

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!!

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.

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 Nashaad 37:10- Wardheer- Muuse Gaas 42:15- Koobkii Cashaaqa- Ilkacase Qays & Farxiya Fiska 46:49- Xamar Baan Ku Xasilayaa- Miss Xiis

Its Feb - another music mix this time centered on the current tunes. Read Below for the full song list:

02:05- Dhabtuu Jacaylku Yaalaa- Magool

05:11- Saw Ma Tihid- Malyuun Maanka and Khalid Kamil

07:30- Axdi- Hodan Abdirahman & Caamir Zaki

10:14- Hees Amaan 2023- Raaxo Shariif

13:33 - So Gal Laabtan Ku Baahan- Sakriye Kobciye ft. Xamdi Bilan

17:19- Kabo Hoo II Kabo - Ilkacase ft. Farxiya Fiska

21:52- Warda Xaashi Ninkeedu- Baashe Delta

23:05- Xabiibi Bad Baadana Wan Aroos - Rahma Hassan and Ciise

25:24- My Love- Sultan Seeraar & Kiin Jaamac

27:40- Mareyta Caashaqa - Maxamed BK

30:12- Adaan Kugu Ducaystaa -Nimcaan Hilaac & Idil Barkhad

32:40- Masciideed- Juweriya Jano & Maxamed Dhalfanaan

38:51- Is Adeecnay- Amiin Yare & Roda Kayf

42:20- Inaan Wali Ku Jecelahay- Ahmed Gacayte

 

 

S3EP10. For the Queen, Sahra Ahmed. I've talked alot about my ancestors and the Ladies that came before us as a way to remember and honor the Somali female artists that reigned and gave us many hits. Sahra Ahmed has been a favorite of mine since I was a child and there's things I've appreciated about her artistry and persona the older I get. In this episode, I didn't talk too much but really compiled a bunch of her tunes for my 50th podcast episode. What better way to celebrate!! Enjoy this episode and stay tuned for more!

S3EP9. A Reflection on Hargeysa. In this episode I asked a couple people to share their reflections about our capital city. The same themes came up in each reflection: Home, Hope and Opportunity (+ Home of Somali Arts & Culture) . The uniqueness of Hargeysa lies in the stories and love each person has for the city. Enjoy this episode and stay tuned for more!

S3EP8. In this episode I talk to Fatuma Adar, a Somali-Canadian writer/creative who most recently produced Dixon Road, a musical about a Somali family who recently arrived to Toronto in the early 90's. In this conversation we touch on her journey of becoming a writer and navigating first generation expectations. This was such a great conversation and check out Fatuma's work online @ https://www.fatumaadar.com, instagram.com/fatumaadar. Enjoy this episode!

S3EP6. In this episode, I sit down with Habo Zainab Dahir — a Somali language educator, writer, and cultural enthusiast. Born in England and raised between the UK and Somalia/Somaliland, Habo shares her deeply personal journey of reconnecting with the Somali language and embracing her identity across different homelands. Through stories of migration, memory, and meaning, Habo reflects on what it’s taken to reclaim her language and the pride she’s found in doing so. We talk about the challenges of learning Somali later in life, the joy of teaching others, and why language is such a powerful part of how we understand ourselves and each other. Habo is the founder of Galool, a platform where she publishes beautifully designed Somali language learning materials and children’s books — accessible for learners of all ages. Her work is helping build bridges between generations and diaspora communities seeking to hold onto their mother tongue. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on dhaxal (inheritance), healing, and the role language plays in belonging. Find Galool’s resources online, and as always, thank you for listening. Discover more at ISIRKA.com and follow us on Instagram @_isirka.

S3EP4. In this episode, I reconnect with Guleid, someone I first met in Hargeisa back in 2015. I never thought we’d being having this conversation all these years later about his harrowing journey from Hargeisa to Italy. He opens up about the path he took to get there — the hopes, the hardships, and the realities of migration. He reflects on what it meant to leave home, the experiences that shaped him along the way, and what life in Europe has taught him so far. This is a story about movement, ambition, and survival — but also about resilience, reflection, and navigating identity in unfamiliar places. Guleid also shares thoughtful advice for others who might be considering similar journeys. I’m deeply grateful that he chose to share his story with ISIRKA, and I hope you find it as meaningful as I did.

S3.EP3. This episode features Mustafa Saeed, a photographer and graphic designer based in Hargeysa. We spoke more about his journey, his current plans and what he has coming up in the future. He is someone committed to enhancing the visual arts scene at home. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode (my first in person recording!!) I speak to SayidCali Ahmed who's a rising senior at Westminster College in Missouri. We spoke at Princeton University where he is taking summer courses as apart of the prestigious Junior Summer Institute. SayidCali is an Abaarso Alum who went on to work at the boarding school after graduation. That experience led him towards a love of education, mentorship and public policy. He has bright dreams for his future and it was a pleasure to speak to him about his journey.

S2EP16. How Far Would You Travel for Love? (Pt. 2) | Exploring Somali Identity Through Time, Sound, and Memory In this episode, I continue a personal journey through time, sound, and space — using Somali music as a portal into the layered meanings of Somalinimo (Somali Identity). This is part two of a reflection on love, not just in the romantic sense, but love as belonging, longing, and cultural memory. Through songs, stories, and the echoes of history, I trace my evolving relationship with Somali identity — what it has meant across generations, across borders, and across moments of both loss and connection. This episode is as much a meditation as it is a conversation with the past, asking: What anchors us to who we are? What do we carry with us? And how far would you travel — emotionally, spiritually, and physically — for love, for identity, for home? I’d love to hear how these themes show up in your life. Share your thoughts or stories with me on Instagram @_isirka. Stay tuned for the next episode — and as always, thank you for listening. Discover more at ISIRKA.com.

Its Feb the month of love, so I put together a couple of my fav recent Somali love songs. Did I forget any of your favorites? Let me know! Tracklist Jacayl wa Habaar Qabe - CABDULQAADIR HASAN NAGEEYE Dhadigaba Aduunbaa- Lafoole Caashaq Raagay Meel Mari - Yurub Geenyo Ka Maydho Wixii Kusoo Maray - Cabdi Ciise Cajuun & Nimco Dareen Qalamaanyo - Amina Abdillahi & Axmed Cali Cigaal Dhibsaday Fogaantaada - Xariir Axmed Wajiyaal is Xasuusta - Muna Miski & Nimcaan Hilaac Waa Amaanta - Muna Miski & Lafoole ISIR - Awaale Adan & Miss Xiis Jaceeylka Qiil U Yeel - Ikraan Maxabe Raganimo -Amina Farax Waber Xalaawatu Laws- Nimcaan Hilaac Is Yeel - Dur Dur Band Kaalay Maanka - Xariir Ahmed Hawaawiga Adaa I Baray - Roda Maash Surbacaadka Caashaqa - Mursal Musse & Yurub Geenyo Balantii (Xasuustii Saado Ali) Rahma Rose & Abdiwahab Antar

In this week's episode I talk to DJ Amal, a Female DJ based in Toronto, Canada. We talked about Somali music of course and a bit of her journey. Whereas there are many male DJs in the Somali music scene, there are not too many women DJs In this convo Amal sheds light on her experience and her hopes for Somali music in the future. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at DJ_Amalx

This episode of Ragga Dambe is on Khadar Keyow, the young prince of Somali music. While Keyow shot to popularity for his overzealous nature and boyish charm, he offers the Somali people and his fans alike so much more. Through his artistry and personal example he is encouraging us all to be better and do better. The idea of 'Ragga Dambe: A profile on Somali male artists and vulnerability' was inspired by him. It is very encouraging and necessary to usher in new norms when it comes to relating to one another and its great to see a young artist owning that responsibility - all while giving us dope looks + tunes! Enjoy this episode and stay tuned for more!

This quick episode is paying respect to how Somali music and arts is killing it this past month. I talk on Suldaan Seeraar's London show, the screening of The Gravedigger's wife at the National Theatre in Mogadishu and Nimco Happy. After this fall, we can not say there is not space for Somalis in the arts, or that Somali music doesn't bang. Viva Fanka!!

This is the second episode of the Ragga Dambe series featuring K'naan and his recent song with Sharma Boy "Waayo Waayo". I spoke about them both in the first episode of Ragga Dambe but this episode offers a bit more into this series, into K'naan's artistry and about this fire collabo. This song has excited young and old about Somali music, displays the tenacity of Somali music and how music will always be the voice of the people. Enjoy this episode. Follow isirka on instagram.com/_ISIRKA.

This episode is commemorating a whole year of this podcast, I can't believe ISIRKA is still going. I'm enjoying this process and hope you're enjoying It as well. In this episode, I reflect on ways I'm finding meaning and connection in this reflective exercise.

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 have to do something. Get in trouble! Good trouble! Necessary trouble!"

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 hiraan Sidi Webi durdurayo- Maandeeq Ivo caabi mire Geeri Dortay- Seynab Ali baxsan “Hees Maay” - Khadija Daleeys Bogii Jacaylka- Qadijo Foodey Ragga iyo Haweenka - Qalanjo & Hasaan Adan Samatar Alleylahee Jacaylki - Deeqa Ahmed

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!

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 

 

 

 

"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

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!

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

Check their youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjApCe1x162dGg7Y9hYyUHw

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!

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.

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