ISIRKA

S6EP2. In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on my journey to Hargeisa — the lessons, the growth, and the undeniable impact it had on my life. From new opportunities and self-discovery to the people I met along the way, this experience reshaped how I see the world. But with the beauty came heartbreak. Some of those I connected with are no longer with us, and this episode is also a tribute to their memory. Join me as I unpack the complex layers of this chapter — the gains that pushed me forward, and the losses that left a mark.

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

S5EP10. Reclaiming one's roots goes on a journey with documentary film maker and artist, Kasim Wise. We discuss his Fashion film and his first documentary, "Somaliland Ha Nolato" which screened at the BFI (British Film Institute) and in Hargeysa. In this conversation we discuss both screenings and the journey from inception to the present. This is part one of a conversation with Kasim Wise so stay tuned for pt2. This conversation highlights the ways in which you can utilize your creativity to seek a connection to cultural heritage, advocacy and standing firm in what you believe in. To connect with Kasim on socials, find him on YouTube and TikTok under "Kasim Wise" and you can find him on Instagram @Kasim.Wise. 

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

S5EP8. Another year of ISIRKA, and a bit of a reflection and appreciation of the journey. I do these reflections every so often but this one is in honor of four years of the podcast.

S5EP7. This mix is of Saado Ali Warsame songs. On the eve of Somalia independence day, I’d like to share the music of one of the only Somali woman singers who had a political platform.

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

S4EP15. This episode is wrap up of 2023, Isirka and the learnings that I've gained so far. Suhur moderated this conversation as we discuss the future for ISIRKA as well. Enjoy this episode and Happy New Year!

S4EP14. This episode is a true reflection episode on claiming and taking up space within your cultural heritage. This is the last episode of Season 4, Hardly Home, Always Repping. Stay tuned for more from ISIRKA.

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!

S4EP12. This episode is a fantastic conversation with Aziz Faarah on reclaiming and learning how to engage with our cultural heritage and language. We recorded this conversation right on the heels of the Somali Centre for Cultural Recreation's exhibit at Nuit Blanche on September 23. In this conversation we discuss Aziz's connection to home, language and cultural preservation. Enjoy this conversation ! Check Aziz out on twitter.com/azizfaarah.