Somalians in London: a vital part of a vibrant city

A history of Somalians in the UK

Somalians have been arriving in the UK since the 19th century. These earliest immigrants were lascars (Britain’s colonial sailors) and merchants; and settled in the ports of Bristol, Liverpool, and Cardiff. Later, during World War Two, a second wave of Somali sailors arrived in the service of the Royal Navy from British Somaliland. The largest number of Somali immigrants, though, arrived during the 1980s and 1990s; seeking asylum and fleeing the protracted civil war in their homeland.

Today, it’s estimated that there are up to 500,000 Somalians living and working in the UK – making it the largest Somali community in Europe. In the UK, the biggest Somali populations can be found in our two major cities, London and Birmingham.

Somali communities in London

The highest number of Somalians living in the UK can be found in London. Sizeable communities have grown in the boroughs of Brent and Ealing, Camden, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets. Naturally, within these boroughs, community groups and support hubs have evolved to help Somalians navigate the challenges of living and working far from home.

These community groups include the Camden Somali Cultural Centre, and Somali Task Force. The Somali Task Force was set up in 2017 by Mayor John Briggs for Somali residents in Tower Hamlets, after studies found that they were more likely to suffer from economic inequality due to factors such as language barriers.

Somali culture in the capital

Poetry is integral to Somali culture, and has traditionally been the predominant medium through which Somalians express their identity, history, and feelings. Richard Burton, the 19th century explorer and author of ‘First Footsteps in East Africa’, even described Somalia as a ‘nation of poets’.

Somali poetry includes traditional work songs (‘hees-hawleed’), passed down through generations orally, and sung to accompany everyday tasks; as well as the more classical form of poetry (‘maanso’), composed by poets. Throughout Somalia’s history, many leaders and individuals have used poetry to try and promote peace. Notably, the 20th century peacemaker poet, Salaan Carrabey, whose poem ‘Waar Tolow Colka Jooja’ (‘Oh Clansmen, stop the war’) famously helped separate warring forces.

Unsurprisingly, then, the Somali diaspora, particularly in London, continue to communicate and express their experiences – both as Somalians and immigrants – via the medium of poetry. In fact, several years ago, London’s City Hall backed ‘Somalians: a nation of poets’: a project that sought to discern what poetry means to Somalians living and working in the capital.

Music is also a big part of Somali diaspora culture and everyday life in London – and often the two go hand-in-hand. If you’re interested in exploring some Somali poetry or music, we recommend taking a look at the work of Warson Shire: the first ever Young Poet Laureate in London, and the youngest member of the Royal Society of Literature. Her full-length debut poetry collection, ‘Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head’ was published last year, and was met with critical acclaim.

The singer-songwriter and poet Faisal Salah is also a gem of Somalian immigrant culture. Described as a ‘walking jam session’, Faisal has toured the world, seeking to “awaken change”. He’s due to play at this year’s Greenbelt Festival in Kettering.. Aar Maanta, meanwhile, has been fusing traditional Somalian sounds with an eclectic range of contemporary influences for over twenty years – he’s also performed alongside Graham Coxon (Blur), and The Buzzcocks.

The Somali Week Festival

If you’d like to experience the sounds, sights, flavours and rhythms of Somali culture, be sure to check out Somali Week Festival. It takes place each year during the UK’s Black History Month of October.

Founded by the Kayd Somali Arts and Culture Organisation in 2009, the event has grown from a small gathering in Bethnal Green’s Oxford House to an internationally renowned festival. And it now receives backing from two cornerstones of the British cultural landscape: The British Library, and Southbank Centre.

With plenty of music, poetry, spoken word performances, and panel discussion, the festival seeks to provide emerging Somali artists with a creative platform. It also works to continue promoting the harmonious integration of Somali culture into British society.

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We hope that this article has taught you a little about Somalians living in the UK – and their love of poetry. We look forward to catching you at the Somali Week Festival in October. For more articles head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of helpful and informative insights put together especially for people living and working abroad.

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The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.