Somalia: A nation of poet

Zahra Abdihagi is an emerging Somali poet and a storyteller. She leads a team of 30 young Somali storytellers who were trained in digital skills with the support of UNDP to generate powerful stories about peace, reconciliation and development initiatives in their communities. She and her team represent the new generation who have found meaning and are passionate about reviving the rich oral traditions of their culture, long buried under the rubble of inter-clan conflict. And with digital tools, the ancient Somali art gets a touch of modernity.

Zahra’s interest in poetry began early on, but she realized the power more when she started performing poetry in Mogadishu. Her first public poetry was about women in mine action in Somalia at a function organized by the United Nations. Her interest in Somali poetry, music and storytelling grew deeper in the post-conflict years following the transitional government set up in Mogadishu, when many Somalis started returning home to reconnect with their community. In this interview, Zahra shares insights into her creative process, her partnership with UNDP, and how she and her friends are harnessing the power of poetry and storytelling in promoting peace and reconciliation.