ISIRKA
A digital journey exploring identity, culture, belonging and Somali musings that surpass time and location. Join Amina Isir, an American Somali on her quest to make sense of her Somali roots.
Episodes
S7EP2. The Longevity of Ilkacase Qays Recap
S7EP2. The Longevity of Ilkacase Qays Recap.
For over two decades, Ilkacase Qays has carved out a space for himself in Somali music, evolving alongside the culture while remaining true to his artistry. From his early days in Somali hip-hop to his continued influence on audiences across the diaspora, his career speaks to the power of reinvention, consistency, and cultural connection.
In this episo
S7EP1. Saalax Sanaag Sings Us Home Narration
S7EP1. Saalax Sanaag Sings Us Home NarrationWhat does it mean to be an artist of your people?In this episode of ISIRKA, I narrate my Geeska essay, Saalax Sanaag Sings Us Home, exploring Saalax’s music, his commitment to Somalinimo, and the role Somali artists have long played as storytellers, witnesses, and keepers of memory.From songs of unity to love, friendship, and heartbreak, Saalax’s music k
S6EP6. My soundtrack: A Homecoming
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
S6EP5. For our Foremothers: A Homecoming
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
S6EP3. Hargeisa Soundtrack: A Homecoming
S6EP1. Returning to Hargeisa: A Homecoming
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 y
S5EP13.Ilkacase Qays Music Mix
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 shar
S5EP12. Qaraami: Love Songs in Motion
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 l
S5EP11. LONDON SOMALI WEEK SOUNDTRACK
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 A
S5EP9. Another Music Mix
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
S5EP6. Ragga Dambe: Saalax Sanaag
S5EP6. This Ragga Dambe episode features the young sensation, Saalax Sanaag. Enjoy these love songs!!
S5EP5. Hilaaci Hirgalay: Convo w/ Nimcaan
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. Nimcaan Hilaac Mix
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. Ragga Dambe: Qamar Suugaani
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. Geenyo Appreciation Episode
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. What's Love (in Somali)
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 Abdina
S4EP13. Mend a Crack in the Sky ft. Hassan Ali
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
A new mix
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. Blooming ft. Khadija + Mohamud
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 w
S4EP9. Somali Creatives Speak ft. Soomaal House
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. Crisis to Repair Pt. 2
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. Summer 2023 Mix
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. Waa Sheeko Hodanaay
S4EP5. This episode is in honor and appreciation of Hodan Abdirahman Dheere, one of my current fav singers.
S4EP4. ITALY: THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING
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
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 Fog
Feb Music Mix
Its Feb - another music mix this time centered on the current tunes. Read Below for the full song list:02:05- Dhabtuu Jacaylku Yaalaa- Magool05:11- Saw Ma Tihid- Malyuun Maanka and Khalid Kamil07:30- Axdi- Hodan Abdirahman & Caamir Zaki10:14- Hees Amaan 2023- Raaxo Shariif13:33 - So Gal Laabtan Ku Baahan- Sakriye Kobciye ft. Xamdi Bilan17:19- Kabo Hoo II Kabo - Ilkacase ft. Farxiya Fiska21:52- War
S3EP10. For the Queen, Sahra Ahmed
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 compi
S3EP9. A Reflection on Hargeysa
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. Opportunity to Dream ft. Fatuma Adar
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.f
S3EP6. Dhaxalkii Galool: The Somali language learning journey
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’
S3EP4. Tahriib/ Journey to Europe ft. Guleid
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 re
S3EP3. Ragga Dambe: Mustafa Saeed
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!
S3EP2. The Value of Education ft. SayidCali Ahmed
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, me
S216. HOW FAR WOULD YOU TRAVEL FOR LOVE PT. 2
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
FOR THE LOVE
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 Fogaanta
S2EP14. SOMALI MUSIC TO THE WORLD FT. DJ AMAL
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
S2EP13. Ragga Dambe: Khadar Keyow
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 insp
S2EP12. VIVA FANKA
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!!
S2EP7. Ragga Dambe: WAAYO WAAYO + K'Naan
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 a
S2EP5. FULL CIRCLE: ONE YEAR CELEBRATION
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.
S2EP4. BE GOOD TROUBLE FT. SAGAL BIHI
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 so
LADIES MIX PT2
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
When reality crashes the imagination: my story
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 enga
WOMEN AS PEACE AGENTS : DUMAR LA'AN WA NABAD LA'AN
REP UR CITY/ENDS *MIX*
Includes:Ahmed Zaki'-GoobileNagib Wadane KaabeNuur Daalacay - Somaliland and Hoobey Hodan Abdirahman & others - Benadir Abdulqadir Jubba - Daawo Dacaalada Suldan Seeraar - HargeysaAbdulqadir Sulub- Heestii RabassoHasan Adan Samatar - BeledweyneFardussa VIP - BooramaAli Dhaanto -Dhulka HooyoNimco Dareen- Dhaanto Somaliland Last song: Hassan Adan Samatar - Balanbalis/ Sida Meel Barwaaqo Ah
KNOW URSELF
"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
BONUS MIX *THE LADIES THAT CAME BEFORE US*
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!
In Honor of Dr. Hussein 'Tanzani' Adam
Check out his documentary, Limit to SubmissionRead my piece about him: https://isirka.com/writings/with-strong-roots-one-will-bloom-beyond-belief-in-the-memory-of-dr-hussein-tanzani-adam
FINDING YOUR WAY BACK ft. Samiya Hashi
Check their youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjApCe1x162dGg7Y9hYyUHw
SKY IS THE LIMIT FT. DAD
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!
IFTIINKII XAMAR/ MOGADISHU'S LIGHT
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.
JACAYLKA U BEER
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
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