SPR: Interview with young Shirwa Hersi (Somali American poet)

[NASSIR]

"Shirwa Hersi, a student at the University of Minnesota with deep passion for poetry visited Somali Public Radio in its Minnesota Studio. Shirwa has shared some of his poems with us and elaborated on how he views poetry as an avenue to convey his stories and concerns to the American Public.

 

Shirwa discussed some of the themes he attempts to integrate in his work and insisted that poetry would bridge the gap between Somalis and the wider American community. He also orated some of his poems that attend to the question of identity, negative media portrayal and his experience as a first generation Somali American. This program has been produced by your very own Abdulqudus Nuur Salah Donyale. Please share with us your thoughts on this program by reaching us at spr@spr.fm"

 

 

INTERVIEW

[cynical lady]

Why would anyone name a child Shirwa.

[NASSIR]

Cynical lady, Shirwac means assemblyman or the presider of an important meaning. It's an indigenous Somali name as well as Hirsi, Wacays, Warfaa, Sharma'arke, etc.

 

Have you listened to his poems? Very talented brother!

[NASSIR]

[Xudeedi]

Shirwac an American born Somali, has served 4 years in U.S army and is now a student at the University of MN. I've seen him perform at many Somali and American conventions along with a group of poets by the name of Ka-joog.

 

Great interview, the kid has true passion for the arts and conveys emotional poems.

 

I advise the young man to continue his work, he may one day bear the fruits of his passion.

[NASSIR]

^that was great interview saxib. Like Salah Donyale, he can actually avail his trove of poetry to the emerging singers or producers so as to reach out to the wider audience and the Somali youth in particular. His poems touch on many issues Somalis face abroad due to probably the inevitable clash of cultures or how best can we fit in a new world with challenging demands without losing your values and identity.

I've seen so many college-educated, pious Somali women disappointed by the dearth of forward-looking brothers - held back either by the peer pressure of the use Khat or niyad la'aan aqoon kororsi ah, and he highlights that issue very well.

[Gallad]

I know this kid, he is passionate about what he does. He performed Aljazeera Doc. couple of months ago. The interview was great. We need young and fresh talents like these guys, both the reporter and the poet in Somali Community.

[NASSIR]

Waryaa Gallad, u reside in the twin cities?

[Aaliyyah]

Mashallah he is amazing. Wish him the best.

 

salaam

[Xudeedi]

Gallad: Shirwac was performing at an event in Ramadan, named "Islam in 21st century" where i met him along with other talented youngsta's. Our media needs to give more coverage to these themes of hope and our Somali American identity.

[Gallad]

Nasir

 

I lived in Minneapolis couple of years ago. But my family lives there, and I often visit.

[NASSIR]

Gotcha.

[NASSIR]

Originally posted by Aaliyyah:

Mashallah he is amazing. Wish him the best.

 

salaam

Aaliyah, the last poem on Islam as seen in the eyes of the Western world and the discrimination faced by Muslims is where the young man's poetic talent comes into full view.

[Kamaavi]

Somalinimo waa Gob iyo Gabay.

[NASSIR]

^odayga howl weyn buu inaga hayaa. Dad buu fariinta wanaagsan ee saxda ah si sahal ah oo xikmad ku dheehan tahey ugu tabinayaa. If he continues with determination, his poems can have the same positive impact on a wider English-speaking audience as the Polish historian, B.W. Andrzejewski who translated Somali Poetry and Somali literature had done b4.