Soomaali Mi’yaa?

written by Billan Omar

“Soomaali Mi’yaa?” invites you to explore what it means to be Somali in South Africa. This captivating ethnography is a deep dive into the heart of the Somali community in Cape Town, following a young Somali woman’s journey of discovery as she grapples with her own sense of identity while uncovering the experiences of others. Through intimate conversations and insightful observations, Billan Omar reveals how this vibrant community navigates belonging in a dynamic and sometimes challenging context. She explores the intricate ways Somalinimo (Somaliness) is constructed and maintained through cultural tools like clan ties, language, and faith, showcasing the diverse experiences of Somali migrants and refugees. Blending personal reflection with rigorous research, “Soomaali Mi’yaa?” offers a nuanced understanding of identity formation, the challenges of belonging in the diaspora, and the search for home in a globalised world. Somalis in Cape Town are nimble-footed, forever marked by their journeys, and their Somalinimo travels with them. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in migration, culture, and the complexities of identity.

Billan Omar

Billan Omar is a Somali-American anthropologist. She is currently a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Humanities in Africa (HUMA) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), pursuing a PhD in Anthropology. She received a BA in Anthropology and International Studies from Macalester College and an MA in Anthropology from UCT.