The Root: Show III

The Root: Show III — Taking Up Space is the final chapter in a three-part series. This episode features writer Najma Heybe and creative producer Asma Kabader as they reflect on their journey through Sheffield City Archives, where they began developing their short story for Dig Where You Stand and the feature film A Story Left Behind.

Inspired by the biography of Halima- a Somali woman the episode follows Najma and Asma as they work to piece together Halima’s life, navigating the tensions between what was recorded and what was left unsaid.

This show explores the power of community archiving and the tradition of Somali oral storytelling, and what these practices mean for the Somali diaspora today. Interwoven with music that shaped the creative process, the show speaks to the universal importance of preserving cultural memory for future generations.

Xasan Diiriye,’Qaraami’, (Ostinato Records)

Asma Kabadeh Introducing The Root: Show III

Dugsiiye & faadumo, ‘Heesti Culusaa Allahayow’ (Youtube)

Magol, ‘Shimbir Yohou’ (Light & Sound)

Najma Heybe Introducing, ‘Heesti Culusaa Allahayow’ and Somali Storytelling

‘A Story Left Behind’, Trailer Dir Asma Kabadeh

Asma Kabadeh and Najma Heybe talking about finding Halima’s Story

Iftin Band, ‘Sirmaqabe’ (No Secrets), (Analog Africa)

Asma Kabadeh and Najma Heybe speaking about the Dig Where You Stand Commission

Xasan Xaaji Maxamed, Amin Xaaji, Cusmaan, ‘Laac’, (Original Music)

Shimaali, ‘Hoobeya’ (Somali Traditional Chant)

Dig Where You Stand commissioned piece: written by Najma Heybe narrated by Asma Kabadeh

Sureer Axmed Iyo Faadumo, ‘Calmad’, (Youtube)

Dig Where You Stand commissioned piece: written by Najma Heybe narrated by Asma Kabadeh

Dur Dur Band, ‘Gorof’ (Elixir), (Ostinado Records)

Asma Kabadeh and Najma Heybe talking to how the cathartic the commission was in

connecting with Halima's story

Asma Kabadeh and Najma Heybe speaking about the Truth within archiving

Nimco Happy, ‘Heesti Goodir Caara’, (Kaarshe Productions)

Asma Kabadeh talking to how the Dig Where You Stand commission was cathartic and how music helped.

Ahmed naaji hidiiyo, ‘Hidihiyooy hidihi’ , (Socdaale Music)

Asma Kabadeh and Najma Heybe speaking about the Truth within archiving and documenting

4 Mars, ‘Bulsha Yahay Haddadau’, (Djibouti Archives)

Asma Kabadeh and Najma Heybe on how their role in activating archival material for the

community in workshops

Halima’s Poem read by Najma Heybe and translated by Asma Kabadeh

Danta guud, ‘Sida Waaga’ (Qaaci Show)

Buuraha U Dheer ‘The Highest Mountains’, (Ostinato Records)

D’Angelo, ‘The Root’, (Instrumental) (Virgin)

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The Root: Show III

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