Yasmin Sheikh-Mohamed Portfolios

by Abwaan Sacdiya

Buraanbur is a powerful form of Somali poetry traditionally composed and performed by women. The poetry can celebrate love, praise family, comment on politics, or even deliver sharp social critique. Somali women have historically used Buraanbur as a way to voice opinions, influence public discourse, and strengthen community bonds.

Scroll further down for English translation.

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Waxaan halkan ku qabanayaa buraanbur. Anoo 11 sano jira ayaan tiriyay. Waxaan u tiriyay macalimiinta. 

Anigu barayaasha baabaan u bixinayaa
Anigu barayaasha baabaan u bixinayaa
Jecliga naga sare joornaalkii baan akhrinay
Jawaabyo wanaagsan baan jeebka ugu hayaa

Anoo ku fikiraya oo ku faraxsan isku duubnida iyo is jeceylka communitygeena Soomaaliyeed oo diidaya ama fahansan dhumashada gumeysiga iyo dhibaatooyinka uu wadamadeenan uu ku hayo. Anigoo ka digaya una tilmaamaya barwaaqada iyo badaha iyo barriga dhulkeena taala ayaan idhi.

Badu waa ribix ee webiyaashu raaso maal
Dhulkeena raxadiisa baa la wada rabaa
Cadowga rain mahayo Soomaaliyeey ka ridaa

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Here I am performing a buraanbur. I composed it when I was 11 years old. I composed it for my teachers. 

I call my teachers fathers
I call my teachers fathers
To the ones above me, I have read the journal
Ready in my pockets, I carry beneficial answers for them

I was thinking deeply and feeling joy in the unity and mutual love of our Somali community, a community that rejects—or understands—the erosion of colonialism and the harm it inflicts upon our country. As I warned and also described the abundance of our land—its seas, its rivers, its fertile horizons—I said:

The sea is a blessing, the rivers are heaps of wealth
Our land’s luxury is desired by all
The enemy will not win, O Somalis take them away