A Celebration of British Somali Poetry
Explore how diaspora Somali poets rework an ancient tradition through readings and conversation with award-winning poets, chaired by Christina Woolner.
Featuring a line-up of poets including Samatar Elmi, Asmaa Jama, Ibrahim Hirsi, Safiya Mohamed and Zakariye, this event examines how diaspora Somali poets who compose in English are reworking an ancient oral tradition to imagine, reflect and sustain ideas of ‘home’ in the UK and beyond.
Poetry has long been a ‘homeland’ of sorts for Somali communities in the Horn of Africa: a space for debate, provocation and reflection, a site of shared cultural memory and a spiritual sanctuary.
But what happens to this ‘homeland’ – and the sanctuary words provide – as Somalis move to new geographic, cultural and linguistic locales?
Through conversation and performance, hear how poetry that grapples with themes of migration, racism, inter-generational trauma, love, friendship and belonging continues to provoke, inspire and inform Somali- and English-speaking audiences.
Chairing the event is Dr Christina Woolner, a social anthropologist whose research explores the sociopolitical dynamics of popular music and poetry in Somaliland and across the Somali diaspora.
This event is co-organised by the Southbank Centre and Kayd Somali Arts & Culture as part of the London Literature Festival and Somali Week Festival.
Need to know
About the poets
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
24 Oct 2026, 12pm
Run time
1 hour and 15 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
from £17
Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
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For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
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The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
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