Writer - Journalist
Mohamed Mohamud
global community
East African - Somali
exhibit
Stories
A Bit About Me…
Mohamed Mohamud is a curator, writer, and the founder of Somali Sideways, a platform dedicated to sharing authentic stories of the Somali diaspora. Through this initiative, Mohamed has fostered a global community that celebrates Somali heritage while exploring themes of identity, resilience, and belonging.
As a freelance writer, Mohamed contributes to reputable outlets such as Africa Confidential and Geeska Platform, a platform offering in-depth analysis of the Horn of Africa. He is an African Union Media Fellow and has committed himself to amplifying African voices globally. His work is also housed in the libraries of Stanford University and SOAS, University of London. Mohamed holds an MSc in Politics of Conflict, Rights, and Justice from SOAS, University of London, and has traveled to over 30 countries, bringing a rich global perspective to his storytelling.
In addition to his writing, Mohamed is the playwright of the upcoming play Between Two Worlds, which tells the story of a young man navigating perilous routes to reach Europe. The script is deeply personal, drawn from the experiences of a family member who undertook the dangerous journey. Through this play, Mohamed explores the theme of migration, emphasising that migrants are human beings.
My inspiration comes from…
The projects that I undertake with Somali Sideways are a result of an intense desire to reimagine the narrative of Somali identity—both in the Horn of Africa and in its global diaspora.
Driving me are the untold stories: the resilience of Somali refugees beginning again in new worlds, the resilience of elders preserving culture through oral tradition, and the courage of young artists blending heritage and contemporary expression. Spaces too move me—whether the streets of Mogadishu, the Somali diaspora neighborhoods of Nairobi and Cairo, or diaspora communities in Oslo, Toronto, and London. Each location offers a fresh view of how Somali identity is performed, often in rebellious, beautiful, and unexpected ways.
But above all, it's the people. The single mother who gets her children through school, the poet who weaves ancient proverbs into new poetry, or the student who uses storytelling as a bridge between generations. Their stories, their struggles, and their dreams are the heartbeat of Somali Sideways.
The lens and the page are my weapons—not only to record, but to honour. To make Somalis everywhere see that our narratives count, and that representation isn't a privilege—it's a requirement.
The Story…
The piece I’m showcasing is part of a powerful collection from Somali Sideways—a storytelling platform dedicated to capturing the diverse voices of the Somali Diaspora. This particular body of work brings together stories from Somalis around the world, spanning countries such as the UK, USA, Somalia, Japan, Kenya, Somaliland, UAE, Ethiopia, Canada, and the Netherlands. The vision for this collection is to resist monolithic portrayals of Somali people by embracing the beauty in our diversity. It's about giving the nuance, complexity, and pride that resides in every corner of our global community. In words and pictures, Somali Sideways gives Somalis the space to define themselves—sideways, forward, however they choose.
A Hidden Hero to Highlight…
There are too many to count honestly! I went to a Gala Event recently highlighting Somali unsung heroes and it made me realise that there are so many who are doing incredible work but aren't recognised for it.
So my hero is anyone that is looking to better themselves, their people through the will of God.
MORE OF MY WORK
Instagram: SomaliSideways
Articles
https://www.geeska.com/en/what-ive-learnt-telling-somali-diaspora-stories
https://www.geeska.com/en/reclaiming-space-ibrahim-cm-somali-national-theatre-premiere
https://www.geeska.com/en/abdisalam-osman-artists-were-trailblazers
https://minorityafrica.org/somali-sideways/
