ISIRKA

By AMINA ISIR

A digital journey exploring identity, culture, belonging and Somali musings that surpass time and location. Join Amina Isir, An American Somali on her quest to make sense of her Somali roots.

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FAQs about ISIRKA:

How many episodes does ISIRKA have?

The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.

ISIRKA episodes:

November 13, 2025 S6EP6. My soundtrack: A Homecoming
S6EP6. In this final episode of my Hargeisa subseries, I take you on a personal sonic journey through Hargeisa — the city that feels like rhythm, memory, and movement all at once. These are the songs that remind me of long drives through the city, of laughter in courtyards, and of quiet moments watching the sunset fade behind the hills.
Each track carries a story: of belonging, of rediscovery, of what it means to feel at home in a place that still surprises me. From timeless Somali classics to the songs that filled my playlists during late night rides — this is my soundtrack to the city that continues to shape my heart and my work.
Join me as we listen, reminisce, and explore what Hargeisa sounds like to me.
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32min
November 13, 2025 S6EP5. For our Foremothers: A Homecoming
S6EP5. This episode is the second installment of my YouTube conversations, with Samiya Hashi of Somaliland Tourists- you can watch this episode on YouTube @isirkapodcast. We discussed the way the return home allowed us an ability to connect with our foremothers and live according to their advice and example. Samiya has been living in Hargeisa with her foremothers for the past few years and shared the realities of living in a female only household admist a male dominated society. We of course took the conversation to discuss music as well and the overall learnings from being in the motherland.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join us in this reflection on belonging, womanhood, and the beauty of being rooted in your people.
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44min
October 23, 2025 S6EP4. Growing Apart- Me & Hargeisa: A Homecoming
S6EP4. This episode is a little different — the tables are turned, and I’m the one being interviewed. ✨This episode is the first installment of our YouTube conversations, you can watch this episode on YouTube @isirkapodcast.
Samiya, the brilliant soul behind Somaliland Tourists (on Youtube) , sat down with me to talk about my work with ISIRKA, my journey and why storytelling, culture, and identity are at the heart of everything I do.
We talked about what it means to grow up rooted in stories, to hold onto language and music, and to build spaces where Somali people can see and hear themselves fully.
If you’ve ever felt a pull toward your roots or wanted to better understand the power of telling our own stories, I think you’ll really feel this one.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join us in this reflection on belonging, memory, and the beauty of Somali culture.
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27min
October 16, 2025 S6EP3. Hargeisa Soundtrack: A Homecoming
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51min
October 09, 2025 S6EP2. Gains and Losses: A Homecoming
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.
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25min
October 02, 2025 S6EP1. Returning to Hargeisa: A Homecoming
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.
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25min
September 15, 2025 S5EP13.Ilkacase Qays Music Mix
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
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41min
January 23, 2025 S5EP12. Qaraami: Love Songs in Motion
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.
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1h 14min
December 29, 2024 S5EP11. LONDON SOMALI WEEK SOUNDTRACK
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
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37min
December 07, 2024 S5EP10. Reclaiming one's Roots w/ Kasim Wise
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.
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50min

FAQs about ISIRKA:

How many episodes does ISIRKA have?

The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.

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