Somali Week Festival 2009
Friday 23 October – to Saturday, 31st October 2009
Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG



Kayd Somali artist and culture in partnership with REDSEA-ONLINE.COM, a range of national, international and local community organisations is pleased to present the Somali Week Festival as part of Black History Month. The Festival events will take place at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG from 23rd to 31st October 2009.

Somali Week offers the best of Somali culture both old and new, through an eclectic mix of events including, poetry, literature and music. This year’s Somali Week Festival will focus on Censorship.


The SWF is an established festival within the Somali community in London, nationally and internationally. It celebrates and explores the uniqueness of Somali art and culture. The festival will showcase this year mix of poetry, prose literature, Plays and music which will be presented by artists, while also allowing ample time for discussions between artists, professional guests and audiences. SWF will present and celebrate Somali arts and culture by featuring international and UK-based artists of the highest calibre in a vibrant programme of events.

SWF 2009 will explore the theme of arts censorship and creative freedom of expression throughout the extensive programme of events, whilst the festival’s programming aims to celebrate artists’ creativity, it will also discuss the important role that art can play within society.

We are proudly expecting a range of guests including renowned Somali and non-Somali artists, academics and commentators: Ahmed Saleebaan Bide, Abdilahi Hirsi “ Baarleex”, Amina Abdilahi, Kinsi Haaji Aden, Maryan Mursal, Hudayd. Kuluc, Dararamle, Hon. Kerry McCarthy, MP, (TBC), Gaadaco, Abdi Bahdoon, Prince Abdi, Aar Maanta, Shuki shacni, Ali Hassan Adan “Ali Banfaz“, Hussein Hersi Adib “Buun Hirsi“, Jama Musse Jama, Warsan Osman, Kaltuun Bacado, Anab Ismail, Abdilah hajI, Ahmed Abdilahi awale, Beeldage, Abdiftaah yare, Mustaphe TITI, Xassan Abdi Madar, Abdirahman Yusuf Arten , Warsan Shire, Mahamoud “Jango“, Faysal Anbalash, Ismail Aw-adan, Mahamed Jamac Kayd, Nimco Deggan, Nimco yasin , Ali Seenyo, Yusuf Dheere, Abdilahi Osman shafey, Said Ali Shire, Abdirahman Mahamed Abtidoon, Omar Haaji Bile, Mahamed Baashe, Abd kariim Raas, Martin Orwin, Aisha Luul, Mahamoud Shiekh Dalmar, Suad Armiye, Abdiaziz Ali Ibrahim “hildhibaan, Abdilahi Awed Iggeh, Rashiid Sheikh Abdilahi “Gadhwayne”, Mahamed Hassan “Alto” , abdilahi Awed Iggeh, and many more

The international aspect of the festival is an important part of our continued development and partnership work with artists and organisations in Somali speaking territories. Join us at the exceptional festival in order to celebrate and explore the uniqueness of Somali art and culture.

For more information about the Festival’s Programme visit; www. kayd.org or call 07903712949. More information about the program or/and stall please email to festival manager ayan_mahamoud@kayd.org