For over a decade, Somaliland professionals in the UK have been leading in their fields and strengthening the bridge between the diaspora and Somaliland.

This gathering is a chance to reflect on that journey, spark meaningful conversations, and create opportunities for collaboration. The evening will open with a panel discussion to inspire dialogue, followed by an extended networking session designed to connect professionals, share ideas, and celebrate collective achievements.

In partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, Kayd Somali Arts & Culture invites you to Untold Stories Part 2 - a powerful documentary that delves into the experiences of the Somali community in Tower Hamlets. Among the earliest settlers were Somalilanders, who arrived as seamen and soldiers. This film shares the stories of both first and second generations of the Somaliland community, exploring their identity and community. This documentary was directed by Suher Sofi. Suher Sofi is a British-Somali freelance producer and founder of JanFirst Productions - a newly established, Black female-led company dedicated to telling bold, nuanced stories for both stage and screen.

The film screening will be followed by a conversation with Suher Sofi and several documentary participants. 

Kayd is thrilled to host an inspiring networking evening celebrating Somali creatives — including film directors, actors, producers, and writers. This special event offers a rare opportunity for industry professionals, emerging artists, and film enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and champion the growing presence of Somali storytelling on the global stage.

Attendees will have the chance to engage in lively discussions, gain insights into the filmmaking process, and explore exciting collaboration opportunities. Whether you’re an established creative or just beginning your journey, this is the perfect space to meet like-minded talent and celebrate the rich diversity of Somali cinema.

Join us, connect with leading Somali creatives, and be part of a vibrant night of networking and inspiration.

In collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council and Somalis for Sustainability (S4S),Kayd Somali Arts and Culture invites you to the Youth Climate Education Workshop. Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, including those in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. Somali diaspora youth, who often navigate both cultural heritage and global citizenship, are uniquely positioned to become advocates for climate awareness and action. However, many lack tailored and contextual educational opportunities that not only bridge climate science, cultural identity, and community action, but also speak to their unique social existence as Somalis.

This project seeks to address this gap by developing an interactive Youth Climate Education Workshop-designed specifically for Somali diaspora youth (ages 13–19). The initiative combines climate education with cultural engagement, empowering young people to understand the crisis, contextualise its local and global impacts, and envision their role in climate action.

We hopefully want people to walk away “thinking globally, yet acting locally” when it comes to climate change.

Note: Children under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian

In collaboration with SOAS, join us for two presentations and discussions examining contemporary issues in Somali political processes.

The first panel will feature Professor Ahmed Samatar and Professor Abdi Samatar, who will present and discuss the arguments advanced in their recent article, “The Rise and Demise of Somali Nationalism.”

The second panel will be led by Ms. Fowsia A. Abdulkadir who will deliver a presentation on the Somali Region’s Transitional Justice Process, and Dr. Juweria Ali who will respond as a discussant.

Almas Art Foundation in partnership with Kayd are inviting you to an evening of short film screenings by Somali filmmakers, including The Martyr (2018) by Ahmed Abdullahi, Muna (2023) by Warda Mohamed, The Earth Has Ears (2025) by Khadar Ayderus Ahmed.

The screenings will be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers.

Films start at 7:00 PM

Price: £10

Language: English

Kayd in collaboration with Oxford House will be premiering the new play Crush, written by Hadsan Mohamoud as part of the Soho Theatre Writers’ Lab, with dramaturgical support from Soho Theatre and the Bush Theatre. Starring Hadsan Mohamud and Mohamed Hashi, and produced by Janfirst Productions.

Synopsis: 

A clinic waiting room. Two Somali teens. One awkward meet-cute.

Najma has been in treatment for years. Zakariya's just starting out. She sketches. He writes poems. Neither of them is ready to talk. Until they meet each other. As their sessions continue, so do the chats. And the jokes. And the secrets. Crush is a tender, funny and honest story about identity, connection and the messy path to healing.

Content warnings: Eating Disorders, Grief, Trauma

‘What is the language of Diaspora?’

Poetry has long played an indispensable role in Somali social and political life. But what happens to poetry when people are uprooted by war and communities are displaced – temporally, geographically and linguistically – from their homelands? What might this poetry teach us about the ongoing negotiation of ‘diaspora’ and what it means to be Somali in the UK?

Featuring a line-up of award-winning poets – including Samatar Elmi, Warda Yassin, Elmi Ali, and Yusra Warsama – this event will explore how Somali-British poets who compose in English are re-shaping an ancient poetic tradition to give voice to the concerns of diasporic Somalis.

Through conversation and performance, we will hear how poetry that grapples with themes of trauma, migration, racism, love, and belonging continues to provoke, inspire and inform Somali and English-speaking audiences alike.

This event is co-organized by the Southbank Centre and Kayd Somali Arts & Culture as part of the London Literature Festival and Somali Week Festival.

Kayd in collaboration with Tower Hamlets, will be celebrating four Somali-British writers and their recently-published creative works: Aamna Mohdin, and her recent memoir Scattered: The Making and Unmaking of a Refugee; Salma Ibrahim and her debut novel Salutation Road; Samatar Elmi and his debut poetry collection The Epic of Cader Idris; and Muna Dahir Afrax, who edited the English translation Maana-faay, by her late father Mohamed Dahir Afrax. 

Amna, Salma, Samatar and Muna will each share highlights from their work and reflect on the ways that diasporic Somalis, especially those who work in English, are re-shaping Somali storytelling practices across four different genres (non-fiction, fiction, poetry and translation).. There will also be time for audience members to ask each author about their work and creative process.

In this event we will explore facets of Somali literature that have historically been overlooked or not given full attention, with a focus on Banaadiri poetry and women’s literature. Ibrahim Hirsi will present an in-depth exploration of Banaadiri poetic culture, metre, and verse, drawing on six years of research.

Ibrahim’s presentation will highlight the diverse forms and styles of Banaadiri poetry, the transition from traditional to contemporary poetic expressions, and lightly touch on the marginalisation of Banaadiri poetry within Somali literary traditions and the invaluable contributions of Banaadiri literature to the broader Somali poetic discourse.

Luul Kulmiso will then present research from a paper titled "Suugaan Curinta Haweenka Soomaalida (Somali Women's Poetry Composition)."

Monday 20th October 2025

Fostering Inclusion in Somali Communities 

Venue: Oxford House

7:30 pm-10:00 pm

Price: £5

Language: English & BSL

In collaboration with the Women’s Inclusive Team (WIT) and Oxford House, Kayd invites you to back-to-back panels on efforts to foster inclusion in Somali communities. The first half of the evening will feature a special discussion with Rachel Pieh Jones on her book Stronger Than Death. Following this we will hear about the work of three disability activists – Hawa Kodah, Fatima Farah and Julia Modern (Inclusion London) – and reflect on practical ways to build inclusivity into community programming. 

Panel 1: Stronger Than Death by Rachel Pieh Jones (7:30-8:30pm)

Stronger Than Death documents the life and work of Annalena Tonelli in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somaliland. Annalena founded the first school for deaf children in Borama and tirelessly advocated for the rights and lives of the deaf community in Somaliland.

Author Rachel Pieh Jones will discuss her motivation for writing the book and her deep engagement with Annalena’s story. Members of the Somali deaf community will also share their personal reflections on Annalena’s lasting legacy.

Rachel Pieh Jones has written extensively about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for The New York Times, Runner’s World, and other publications. Her work is shaped by more than two decades living in Somaliland and Djibouti, raising Third Culture Kids, and exploring the natural world. Originally from Minnesota, Rachel holds two Master’s degrees and is currently pursuing a PhD in Intercultural Studies. She is also a ghostwriter, developmental editor, and the award-winning author of six books, including Stronger Than Death.Visit her at www.rachelpiehjones.com.

Panel 2: Building Inclusive Communities (8:30-10pm)

Kayd will celebrate the work of three Somali disability activists who have championed building more inclusive communities: Hawa Kodah, an advocate for deaf communities in Somaliland and London; Fatima Farah, a fashion designer who designs clothes for wheelchair users. Hawa, Fatima and Abdi will reflect on the barriers they have faced in their own lives and share their ideas about how Somali communities and events can be made more accessible and inclusive. They will be joined by Julia Modern from Inclusion London, a London-based organization that supports Deaf and Disabled people’s organizations (DDPO) and campaigns for equality for Deaf and Disabled people. Julia will share some of the resources available to organizations and individuals in London to support building more inclusive communities.

Hawa Kodah is a deaf awareness advocate who will discuss the challenges faced by the deaf community and her work in Somaliland.

Fatima Farah is the founder of Faduma's Fellowship, which helps fashion designers make adaptable clothing for wheelchair users. 

Julia Modern is Senior Policy and Campaigns Manager at Inclusion London. She is a disabled researcher and campaigner with over a decade’s experience in the UK DDPO sector, and also completed PhD research with a disabled women’s organisation in Uganda.

In collaboration with the Anglo-Somali Society and Zamzam Foundation UK (ZFUK), Kayd invites you to join us for a discussion with Hana Khader,James Firebrace, and Martin Cottingham about their recent work in the Somali Horn on seasonal forecasting. 

Due to Climate Change, the Somali inhabited areas of the Eastern Horn of Africa are facing increasingly extreme weather, both sequences of dry seasons and dramatic floods.  60% of this population are nomadic pastoralists. Two major multi-year droughts in the last decade each led to massive loss of livestock and the loss of livelihoods for hundreds of thousands.  These enforced 'drop-outs' from pastoralism, now subsist in displaced peoples' camps or must eke a living in urban centres.  Breakthroughs in AI and satellite technology are enabling increasingly accurate forecasts of the season ahead, and are providing hope of vital support to inform the pastoralists' decisions as they manage their herds in this increasingly uncertain and challenging environment.

In collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council, Kayd Somali Arts and Culture invites you to Somali Book Fair Day. This lively and popular annual event attracts writers from across the globe to showcase their work, interact with each other, and share their new publications with the audience. All Somali writers who have published books are welcome to set up stalls and sell their books, giving the Somali audience unmatched access to the latest publications. Some of the artists who will be presenting their work include: Sayid-Ahmed, Shamsa Shegow, Dr. Jama Musse Jama, and Muhiyadin Husein Eid. 

This Event will be chaired by Boodhari Warsame. 

In this session, we will hear from creatives currently charting new paths in Somali theatre. The panel will feature Hadsan Mohamoud, an actor and writer from North-West London, and the playwright behind Crush; Suher Sofi, the founder of JanFirst Productions; and Rebecca Ortman, a freelance playwright and director currently working on a new opera inspired by the story of Arawelo.

The panelists will share insight into their creative practices and inspirations, especially reflecting on how Somali storytelling practices inform their work, while also discussing how Somali theatre is adapting to meet the needs of new audiences. 

Price: £10

Language: English

Kayd in collaboration with Oxford House will be premiering the new play Crush, written by Hadsan Mohamoud as part of the Soho Theatre Writers’ Lab, with dramaturgical support from Soho Theatre and the Bush Theatre. Starring Hadsan Mohamud and Mohamed Hashi, and produced by Janfirst Productions.

Synopsis: 

A clinic waiting room. Two Somali teens. One awkward meet-cute.

Najma has been in treatment for years. Zakariya's just starting out. She sketches. He writes poems. Neither of them is ready to talk. Until they meet each other. As their sessions continue, so do the chats. And the jokes. And the secrets. Crush is a tender, funny and honest story about identity, connection and the messy path to healing.

Content warnings: Eating Disorders, Grief, Trauma

In collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council, Kayd is pleased to present an evening of stand-up comedy at this year’s Somali Week Festival 2025, featuring some of the best Somali comedians. This special event will showcase a talented lineup, offering an hour of laughter, storytelling, and cultural humor. This live comedy event will explore themes of family, identity, and everyday life with humor that resonates across generations. Whether you are a long-time fan of stand-up or simply looking for an entertaining night out, this is an opportunity to enjoy a fun and engaging evening with the community.

The lineup features headliners Adan Abdi, Prince Abdi,Mister Naif, Khalid Raheem, and Zak Ahmed, with Selam Amare  hosting the night.

Almas Art Foundationin partnership with Kayd are inviting you to the screening of The Village Next to Paradise. The Village Next to Paradise is the feature-length debut of Somali–Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe. Set in a windswept Somali coastal village, the film follows single father Mamargade and his young son Cigaal, whose tranquil life is disrupted by societal pressures and the constant threat of drone attacks. When Mamargade's divorced sister Araweelo returns home, the newly reunited family must balance their personal dreams—like opening a shop or seeking a better future—amid conflict and adversity. Visually arresting and emotionally resonant, the film is a quietly powerful exploration of resilience, hope, and what lies between dream and reality.

The screening will be followed by a Q &A with Ahmed Farah, the executive producer of The Village Next to Paradise. Farah is the Somali founder of Riyo Films, an international film production company based in East Africa. Farah is also the director of Ayaanle and Arday. 

In collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council, Kayd Somali Arts and Culture is pleased to present a special one-hour taster session in partnership with Abti Podcast.

This event will feature an engaging conversation with Ali Naji, who will discuss his ongoing research on the history and evolution of Somali Funky Music. The session promises thoughtful dialogue, cultural insights, and reflections that highlight the richness of Somali musical heritage.

Saturday 18th of October

Generative AI and the Somali language: educational tools, social impacts and digital rights (Peter Chonka, Said Salah &  Mohamed Abdimalik ) 

Oxford House 

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 

Price: £5

Language: English

In collaboration with Tower Hamlets, join us for a discussion on how Generative AI and the Somali language: educational tools, social impacts and digital rights. How are rapidly developing generative AI technologies (such as ChatGPT) affecting the Somali language? What are the implications of AI for Somali culture and society, and how are they affecting digital rights including privacy, access and language inclusion in the Horn of Africa? This event presents a collaborative project between the Somali Language Academy (AGA), Jaantus and King's College London to develop a Somali-language lexicon of terminology and concepts related to generative AI, created with Somali linguists and currently being finalised validated through stakeholder consultations. The presenters will showcase a prototype of an interactive Somali-language digital educational resource that they have created to help wider audiences understand the basic technical principles of generative AI and related social, cultural, political and environmental impacts. 

Panellists:

Abwaan Said Salah Ahmed - Head of Akademiye Goboleedka Af Soomaaliga (AGA)

 Peter Chonka - Senior Lecturer in Global Digital Cultures, King's College London

 Mohamed Abdimalik - joining online; data journalist and director of Jaantus

The event will be held in English and Somali.

From the marketplace to the metaverse, Somali entrepreneurs and innovators are finding new ways to connect with customers, strengthen communities, and expand their impact. This event celebrates Somali-led businesses and initiatives in the UK and across the diaspora that are using technology not just to grow revenue, but to serve their people and preserve their culture.

Through case studies and a lively panel, we’ll hear from founders and practitioners who are turning ideas into impact with practical tools, from digital payment systems to social media campaigns, logistics apps to e-learning platforms. We’ll explore how tech is being used to sustain and scale Somali-owned businesses, improve access to education, and connect the diaspora to opportunities at home and abroad.

Meet representatives from Somalis in Tech, including Abshir Ahmed, and Hana Abdi from 01 Founders in conversation with Kareema Hersi

After the discussion, a small business showcase will set up for three Somali or Somali-led tech ventures the chance to share their work directly with attendees.

Who it’s for: Somali founders, creatives, community organisations, and anyone passionate about how our community can thrive through technology.

Price: Free

Language: English 

In collaboration with Oxford House, Kayd Somali Arts and Culture invites you to an energising afternoon with Awo Abdi and Asma Elmi—two dynamic forces in the UK’s art scene. This in-conversation event offers a unique opportunity to explore what inspires both Awo and Asma, from bold exhibitions to the everyday moments that spark their creativity.

Expect a warm, engaging atmosphere full of insight into how art connects communities and reflects the rhythms of daily life. At the end of the event, guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase original works by Awo Abdi and explore the work of Asma Elmi.

Event Host: Tusma Awil.

Galool Somali Children’s Entertainment

Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Oxford House (Scott Room)
Price: Free
A lively afternoon of storytelling, music, and hands-on activities for kids, led by Somali children’s publisher and entertainer Galool. Fun for all ages — perfect for families wanting to pass on Somali language and culture to the next generation.

Discussion with Musa M. Isse with Zainab Dahir

Price: Free 

Language: English 

In collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council, Kayd Somali Arts and Culture invites you, step into the vibrant world of Somali storytelling with an afternoon discussion featuring Musa M. Isseis, also known as Dalmer. As an accomplished children’s author and founder of the Somali Cultural Festival of Sweden, Musa brings a unique passion for culture, language, and the power of stories to inspire young minds. This event is a wonderful chance to hear about his writing journey, the creative process behind his beloved children’s books, and how literature can help connect generations and build community across the Somali diaspora. Zainab Dahir will join at the end of the event to discuss her children’s books. 

All are welcome, especially families and young readers. Bring your curiosity and your questions, and don’t miss the opportunity to connect with a leading voice in Somali literature.

Location: The British Library, London
Price: £12 | Language: English, BSL

Be there as we open the 17th Annual Somali Week Festival.
Join a vibrant conversation featuring Warda Mohamed (filmmaker), Aar Maanta (musician), Abdirahman Nasri (singer/composer), and Dr. Christina Woolner (academic/author), hosted by barrister and author Hashi Mohamed. This special evening launches our 2025 theme — Resonate! Sounds of the Past, Voices of the Future — exploring how Somali music, poetry, and storytelling continue to shape the future. Expect live performance, bold ideas, and a warm welcome as we celebrate Somali creativity across generations.
Book early — this is the event that sets the tone for the entire festival.