Kayd Somali Arts & Culture and its partners will launch the Somali Week Festival 2013 (SWF) on Friday 18th October from 6pm at Oxford House, Dersbyshire Street, London, E2 6HG.

Throughout the evening, Mahamed Ibrahim ‘Hadraawi’, the internationally acclaimed poet and winner of the 2012 Prince Claus Award, will discuss the festival theme of ‘journey’, and reflect on related themes of migration, exile, isolation and discovery. He will be joined on stage by renowned writers and playwrights Ganey,  Bashir Goth and Said Salah Ahmed, and other artists and intellectuals. Together they will share their own personal adventures, and reflect on the impact of their journeys on their past and present literary works.

 

This year the festival participants will tackle the theme of ‘Journey’. Our shared contemporary history has led many Somalis to embark on different types of journeys: physically as we have travelled throughout the globe; emotionally as we have dealt with loss and detachment; and psychologically and spiritually as we have confronted new and challenging realities. SWF this year will provide a platform from which to explore the complex nature of these journeys.

 

We have invited writers, poets, scholars, and musicians of Somali heritage, and those who work with Somalis to share their experiences and discuss the concepts of exile, alienation, adventure, exploration, personal and collective change, identity, rights, tolerance and coexistence. Amongst our international guests are: Mahamed Ibrahim Warsame “Hadraawi”, Said Salah Ahmed, Dr Mahamed Daahir Afrah, Hassan Ganey, Abdi Latif Ega, Hibo-Nuura Mohamed, Basher Goth, Dr. Abdirashid Mohamed Ismail, Amina-Milgo Mahamoud, Dr Markus V. Hoehne, Faarax Cali “Gaamuute”, Cabdalle Osman “Shafey”,  Mahamed Hirsi (Abdibashir), Muse Dalmar and more ...

 

Throughout the week our visiting guests will be sharing a platform and collaborating with guests from the UK such as Hudaydi, Nimco Yasin, W. N. Herbert,  Warsan Shire, Aar Maanta, Nimco Degan, Mohamed Hassan Alto, Abdikariim Raas, Said Jama, Dr Laura Hammond, Dr Martin Orwin, Matt Baugh, Mary Harper, Sheikh Mahamoud Sheikh Dalmar, Hamish Wilson, Dr Anita Adam,  Martin Hill, Siham Riyale,  Farxiya Fiski, Nadifa Mohamed, Dr Anna Lindley, Saynab Mohamud, Khadra Elmi , Kaltun Bacado, Abdirahman Xananteeye, , Abdi Fataah Yare, Prince Abdi, Ali Goolyad, Rashiid Sheekh Cabdillaahi "Gadhwayne", Said Ali Shire, Zaynab Daahir, Cabdiraxmaan Abtidoon, Hussein Nur , Jawaahir Faarax, Jawaahir Daahir and Idil osman and more. 

Iftin Band reunion: Said Salah, Ahmed, Khalif osman Abdi, Bashir Ali Hussein- Salah Ahmed( Salah Xariiri),and Aisha Kahiye Guled

We would like to thank all our guests in anticipation of the festival and extend our warmest welcome to regulars and new-comers alike!

If you would like further information about Somali Week Festival, tickets, book a stall or/and volunteer, please email us info@kayd.org or call 07903712949 and please visit our website www.kayd.org  for updates on the progra