Camel Meat and Cassette Tapes Part II

This project builds on our previous work with Somali elders, where we explored oral traditions, myths, the story of Queen Araweelo, anti-colonial songs, and camel-herding narratives. In response, we engaged young Somali participants to examine their relationships with cassette tapes, community, and a diasporic identity.

Working with archivists and founders of WaaberiPhone, Ibrahim Hirsi and Idel Elmi, we delved into alternative archives and methods of remembrance. Collaborating with sound artist Rowan Bishop, we experimented with tape loops and experimental sound-making.

We wanted to empower participants to experiment, play, and tell stories that matter to them, free from the pressure to focus on dominant narratives like conflict and trauma. A secondary aim was to foster a greater understanding of Somali culture through sound-based storytelling.

We achieved this through workshops where young people explored the history of cassette tapes in the Somali diaspora, a vital medium for preserving music and poetry. These sessions led to the creation of a soundscape, which we originally planned to release as a limited-edition cassette. The audio included rare, previously unreleased vintage Somali tracks (1920s–1950s), through our partnership with Waaberi Records, alongside the voices of young Somali Bristolians reflecting on cultural memory.

Instead of a cassette release, we transformed the soundscape into a 10-minute 16mm film, weaving together analogue sound and visuals. The film explores themes of language, disconnection, and cultural memory, connecting the voices of Somali elders from our earlier project (Camel Meat + Tapes, 2019–2020) with the perspectives of the younger generation.