Me and Ali Goolayad had a great time in London, performing at Somali week. There were plenty of Somali stars and stars in the making such as prince abdi (comedian) Aar Maanta (singer) with his band which consisted of two French guitarist A Nigerian drummer and a British drummer. Two young female poets from london and Birmingham who Were brilliant (Ruqayah) and the other ones name was Aisha There were some very influential hard working girls who have made two short films, one which we got to see, which was an insight of girls that use lightening skin products and on the flip side girls that use tanning products. The event was in Bethnal Green east London, anxiety kicked in around an hour before the show. When I saw how many people had turned up. From all different backgrounds, ethnicities, age, gender and views. Their was media coverage with Somali TV a photographer that goes back and forth from Somaliland, there was a lady called Kate Westonberg whose been to Somaliland a number of times and is a great photographer. Me and Ali rehearsed in the dressing room until we felt we mastered it. We met with all the other performers and the chemistry was magical. We went through the order of who goes on first and which act goes on the stage to perform. Ali was the first to perform and he blew the crowd away. His confidence and delivery was top notch the audience were ecstatic every one applauded with delight. He made me proud. My name was introduced by prince abdi, so I ran down the stairs to recite my poems. i found it easier than i thought it be as soon as I performed my first poem and heard everyone applaud. I Somali week 2013

Me and Ali Goolayad had a great time in London, performing at Somali week. There were plenty of Somali stars and stars in the making such as prince abdi (comedian) Aar Maanta (singer) with a band which consist of two French guitarist A Nigerian drummer and a British drummer. Two young female poets from london and Birmingham who Were brilliant ones name was Ruqayah and the other ones name was Aisha. Also their were some very influential hard working girls who have made two short films, one which we got to see, which was an insight of girls that use lightening skin products and on the flip side girls that use tanning products. The event was in Bethnal green east London, anxiety kicked in around an hour before the show. When I saw how many people had turned up. From all different backgrounds, ethnicities, age, gender and views. Their was media coverage with Somali TV a photographer that goes back and forth from Somaliland. Me and Ali rehearsed in the dressing room until we felt we mastered it. We met with all the other performers and the chemistry was magical. We when through who goes on first and which order each act goes on the stage to perform. Ali was the first to perform and he blew the crowd away. His confidence and delivery was top notch the audience were ecstatic every one applauded with delight. He made me proud. My name was introduced by prince abdi, so I ran down the stairs to recite my poems. i found it easier than i thought it be as soon as I performed my first poem and heard everyone applaud. I started enjoying myself and began living in the moment. I'm ready to start doing more spoken word performances. I'd like to say thanks to everyone at Ntw especially johnathon, Devinda, Gavin porter and Gurey salaban. I'm ready to start doing more spoken word performances.