Somali Week Festival Children’s Day

Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, London E2 6HG

A day full of fun and literature the whole family can enjoy, Somali Week Festival presents Children’s Day! Begin the afternoon with Somali-American children’s author Habso J. Mohamud for the launch of her brand-new book It Only Takes One Yes in which Habso hopes to inspire children — especially young girls — to see themselves as being able to make a difference in the world. This will include a reading of the book and games.

The second part of the afternoon will be dedicated to Ubadkaa Mudnaanta Leh (“Children Have Priority”), a new bilingual Somali-English children’s album created by London-based Somali artist Aar Maanta and youth from Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Cedar Riverside neighbourhood. With lyrics by the prolific Somali playwright and poet Said Salax, the album flows between generations and genres, mixing traditional Somali music with hip-hop influenced beats, spoken word and poetry, Islamic greetings, educational children’s songs, and much much more! This portion of the day will include a 10-minute showing of the Making of the Album documentary, a sing-along session and an acoustic performance by Aar Maanta.