Early in the process of the Niemanders recording in asylum centers, journalist Christianne Alvarado came along. Searching for stories for the second season of the Niemanders podcast. With her microphone, she visited classrooms, emergency camps and homes, interviewing residents who were willing to tell their story. 

This is Season 2 episode 4: Ismaël Ip

Ismaël Ip, as his full stage name goes, is a man from Somalia who immediately leaves an impression upon first meeting. When I first heard him speak, I thought: this is an old soul.

He wants to be a guiding light for others, especially for young people. His wish is to inspire, to show that in life you must allow and accept many things, and that even the bad things eventually pass. He believes in patience, though he knows better than anyone how difficult that can sometimes be.

His calm way of speaking reminded me of George Harrison, the “quiet Beatle,” and his solo masterpiece All Things Must Pass. Ismaël carries a similar quiet wisdom, though he is anything but silent. He exudes a natural serenity, the kind you sometimes see in people like Nelson Mandela or Bob Marley. It’s as if his wisdom doesn’t come from clichés or superficial platitudes but from a deep, inexhaustible well of experience and insight.