Young Queens Project

Introducing Young Queens, a groundbreaking arts and creativity project that holds a special place in the Hayaat Women’s Trust. Founded by Hibo Ahmed and Izzy Rabey, and later joined by Asma Elmi and Nadia Noor, this project is dedicated to empowering young girls and women from the Welsh Somali community in Cardiff.

In response to the significant events of 2020, including the BLM movement and the COVID-19 lockdowns, Young Queens emerged as a powerful force for positive change. The project began with young women from the community using poetry as a means to navigate the challenges faced by their community during those trying times. Partnering with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Liana Stewart from Welsh and Black, BBC, and the prestigious Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, the project transformed these poignant poems into visually captivating films, performed by the young participants.

The journey continued during the Winter lockdown in 2021, when Young Queens presented a captivating play over Zoom. Recognizing the immense potential and impact of their work, the project secured funding from the Heritage Lottery. This support allowed Young Queens to expand their reach, forge connections with institutions across Cardiff and Wales, and actively promote Somali youth arts and various forms of creative expression.

One of the project’s highlights has been the establishment of a drama group at the Wales Millennium Centre in Autumn 2021. This safe haven serves as a space for building confidence and devising scenes based on Somali myths and stories. In 2022, the group connected with Asma Elmi, the visionary founder and creative director of Al Naaem magazine, renowned for its focus on Black Muslim fashion, modest fashion, and the celebration of Welsh Black culture. Inspired by Al Naaem’s mission, Young Queens embarked on their largest endeavor yet: the Faadi/Y Stafell Fyw/The Living Room project.

Faadi/Y Stafell Fyw/The Living Room showcased the incredible talent of young Somali Welsh creatives and designers, while honoring the intimacy of Somali arts, culture, and fashion within the home setting. Collaborating with the Ciyaar Somali traditional dance group facilitated by Hayaat Women’s Trust, Young Queens created an intergenerational, high fashion photoshoot. The project not only involved our Young Queens as models and assistants but also featured an illuminating interview that complemented the accompanying film.

The success of Faadi/Y Stafell Fyw/The Living Room was marked by three prestigious exhibitions at the Wales Millennium Centre, Ffotogallery Cardiff, and The National Library of Wales. In the foyer of the Wales Millennium Centre, 10ft banners featuring photographs from the shoot were proudly displayed, captivating visitors and raising awareness on a grand scale about Welsh Somali fashion and life. The exhibition launch coincided with a community Iftar celebration for Ramadan 2023, adding an extra layer of significance.

Ffotogallery Cardiff, as the leading contemporary photography gallery in Wales, welcomed community members for the exhibition’s launch in April. Additionally, in June 2023, the National Library of Wales became the first institution to showcase the work of the Welsh Somali community. This historic moment holds tremendous significance as the exhibition will be archived for future generations. The launch also provided an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the remarkable work of Asma Elmi and Al Naaem, as well as Hayaat Women’s Trust and Young Queens. Excitingly, plans are underway to secure future exhibitions in Bristol and London, further cementing the project’s influence.

The impact of Young Queens extends beyond exhibitions and showcases. Its collaboration with Al Naaem, a leading magazine in the realm of Black and Muslim fashion, photography, and art, has yielded exceptional results. This remarkable partnership creates a platform that celebrates the rich tapestry of culture, creativity, and empowerment.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Young Queens, together with Al Naaem, recently presented their remarkable work at Ffotogallery. The exhibition, titled “Faadi / Y Stafell Fyw / The Living Room,” masterfully captured the essence of Somali Welsh homes through intergenerational photography and fashion. From exquisite bridal wear to captivating cultural clothing like Hidyaah Dhaqan and Diraq, the exhibition showcased the beauty of intertwining traditions. Additionally, it highlighted the bond of brotherhood and the mesmerizing traditional dance of Ciyaar Somali. This visual journey celebrated heritage, diversity, and the profound significance of embracing and sharing traditions.

To learn more about Young Queens and their inspiring journey, please visit the featured article in the Ffotogallery newsletter: https://ffotogallery.org/channel/march-newsletter-2