Poetry in Somalia:Using an age-old art form to build peace

 Poetry in Somalia:Using an age-old art form to build peace

Somalia, located in the easternmost part of Africa, is often known as the "Nation of Poets" or "Nation of Bards" due to its people's deep-rooted connection with poetry. This form of expression has been a fundamental part of Somali culture for as long as storytelling itself has existed. The earliest recorded Somali poetry dates back to the 18th century, with a reflective piece by Sheekh Cali Cabduraxmaan. This rich literary heritage continues to inspire a new wave of poets, particularly those who emerged just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Somali Storytellers

The Somali Storytellers is a collective of young poets dedicated to engaging the Somali people, especially the youth, who will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future. Through their artistic expressions and performances, they seek to revive Somalia’s historical and cultural legacy while incorporating modern influences.

In support of this initiative, the UNDP established a Digital Storytelling Bootcamp, selecting 20 young Somalis and equipping them with the skills to share their narratives using available technology, such as smartphones and computers. Following their training, the participants embarked on a field trip to Mogadishu, where they had the opportunity to document and create stories in collaboration with their local community.

Zahra Abdihagi

Among the 400 candidates who applied, Zahra Abdihagi stood out. Despite the strong competition, her remarkable achievements as a writer and storyteller, along with her dedication to social change, earned her a place among the top applicants.

Zahra completed her high school education in Canada, and even before graduating, she had already published a book of short stories. Since returning to Somalia, she has received multiple accolades for her poetry, including securing third place in an international Somali-language poetry competition.

After completing the six-week digital storytelling training program, Zahra expanded her efforts by participating in additional creative workshops. She now helps train 30 young Somalis in the art of storytelling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation became widespread, she encouraged young people to use poetry as a means of self-expression and to spread messages promoting safety and awareness.

Digital Shelter

In 2020, Digital Shelter launched an initiative encouraging Somali women to share their personal experiences, leading to the creation of a storytelling and media-driven campaign known as the "Without Fear" project. On International Women’s Day in 2021, this initiative was officially introduced under the name "Cabsi La’aan – The Without Fear Project."

Zahra contributed to this campaign by writing a powerful story that gained traction across social media platforms, reaching thousands of Somali women. Her poem sheds light on the challenges faced by Somali women both online and within their communities. Cyber threats such as hacking, blackmail, and online harassment are common, but through poetry, women are finding a means to resist and raise awareness about these issues.

The Somali Storytellers are now working towards establishing their own company. Zahra expressed her optimism for the future, stating, "I see great potential for us. Many young people are already eager to learn how to become storytellers themselves." Their movement has gained significant support, with many people donating through their website to sustain their work.

The Future of Poetry in Somalia

A new generation of Somali storytellers is now stepping into the world of filmmaking. They recently showcased a digital storytelling project titled "Me and My Somalia," a collection that highlights the resilience, innovation, and challenges faced by Somali communities. Looking ahead, they envision a future where digital storytelling is widespread, Somali culture is authentically represented, and media plays a vital role in fostering positive community transformation.