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...

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...

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'...

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...

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 li...

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 Ann...

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 M...

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 Abdina...

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...

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 w...

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 Fogaa...

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:...

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...