Join us for an evening at Oxford House celebrating creativity and innovation led by Somali women working across diverse artforms. This event forms part of the Share Your Talent series, a new partnership between Kayd and Oxford House platforming the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs and thinkers. Our first event platforms creative women, but all are welcome to join us for a special evening of music, poetry, spoken word and discussion.

Noura A Sheikl, Event Host; Noura is a highly skilled with a wealth of experience in policy, strategy and program development. She has over 10 years of experience in the DEI, marketing and comms working with global brands including the BBC, Blackgirl Fest, Founders Vine, and L’Oreal. Alongside her work, Noura is passionate about empowering women and also leads grassroots community organisations for Black Muslims in the UK.

Hannah Abdule, Theatre Producer: Hannah is founder of Side eYe Productions, a British-Somali women’s theatre group whose recent productions include Arawelo (2018), Home(2019), Muna Knows it All (2021) and most recently, Dugsi Dayz (2023).

Hafza Yusuf, Textile Designer: Hafza is a textile designer, educator, and entrepreneur whose distinctive designs showcase the rich heritage of Somali design and culture, with contemporary nods. Her most recent collection is inspired by the traditional hido iyo dhagan fabrics and she is passionate about reviving the Somali textile industry. Hafza’s community remains central to her work and she leads community engagement projects for local women centring their skills, experiences and talents. Hafza’s work has been showcased on BBC, Inews and AFP.

Khadra Ibrahim, Actress and Presenter:Khadra is a London-based actress and presenter. Alongside her freelance creative work, Khadra is an advocate for single mothers and leads community work.

Neimo Askar, Poet : Neimo is a poet and founder of Poetry and Shaah, an open-mic night, led by and platforming artists of colour. Neimo co-founded this project in 2016 in White City Community Centre and it has expanded to venues including Bishop Creighton House, Gallery Café, Poetry Café and Brixton Pound Café. Neimo’s own work explores the intersections of faith, disability, and belonging.

Amal Yusuf, Poet : Amal is a young emerging poet and spoken word artist who has performed at several venues across London. Her pieces explore religion, culture & mental health, raising awareness within her community of these important issues.

Canab Cuud, Traditional Dance Trio :Canab Cuud is a mother and daughter dance group specialising in Buraambur – a female-led dance and poetry performance. The popular trio are returning to our event, alongside their regular schedule performing at cultural celebrations, festivals and weddings.

The Creative Cafe is presented in partnership by Oxford House and Kayd Somali Arts & Culture. This event has been made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

This event will be BSL interpreted