Friday August 23, 2024
British-Somali photographer Mohamed Mohamud is on a mission to rewrite the narrative of his people—one portrait at a time. Through his groundbreaking project, Somali Sideways, he has traveled to 30 countries, capturing the untold stories of over thousands Somalis in an effort to challenge the global stereotypes that have long overshadowed their resilience and rich cultural heritage. From reshaping narratives to creating a platform for connection, Mohamed’s journey is one of passion and purpose.
Mohamud began the project as a hobby while studying international politics at Brunel University. Initially, he photographed close friends and Somalis in London using an iPhone, sharing their stories on social media. The project quickly gained traction within the tight-knit Somali community, leading to its global expansion. Today, Somali Sideways serves as a cultural and historical record of Somali communities worldwide.
The inspiration for Somali Sideways came from Mohamud's desire to explore how the Somali diaspora viewed their homeland in contrast to its portrayal in Western media.