About the Somali Language Show

The program highlights community news, current affairs, and reviews, focusing primarily on Australia but also covering issues relevant to the East African community globally, particularly in Melbourne and Australia.

Somali is the language spoken by around 20 million Somalis, predominantly in East Africa, within the Horn of Africa. Over the last 20–30 years, Somalis have spread worldwide. This unique and ancient language, contrary to some assumptions, is spoken not only in the Somali Republic but also by Somalis living in Kenya (around 3 million), Ethiopia (around 5 million), and Djibouti.

In 2017, there was renewed hope among Somalis due to the election of a popular president, himself from the diaspora. Reflecting this optimism, the 3CR Somali program adopted a new format to cater to the community’s growing presence in Australia. This year, the program moved to a new time slot, aiming to better connect with its audience: every Tuesday, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. The show now focuses on issues affecting the Somali community in Australia.

Presenters and Impact

Hamdi Ali, the current host, is a community leader active in various mainstream organizations, such as community legal services, Men’s Sheds, and residents' associations. Known as “the man with many hats” (as described in a 2016 ABC article), Hamdi is well-recognized in Melbourne for his long-standing residency, volunteer work, and involvement in both African and other communities.

According to Abdiaziz, over 5,000 listeners tune in to the Somali Language Show. The talkback segment demonstrates its wide reach, with calls coming from all over Melbourne—ranging from North West suburbs to the East—and even taxi drivers calling in from their routes.

Content and Themes

The program covers a variety of topics, including:

• Strengthening unity within the Somali community in Melbourne.

• Cultural challenges faced by young Somalis.

• Addressing the problem of drugs.

• Community-building initiatives.

The presenters also discuss the political situations in Somalia and neighboring countries, often engaging with politicians and community leaders both in Somalia and Melbourne. The show features community issues, expert interviews, and conversations with leaders and politicians in Africa and Australia, serving as a valuable educational and informational resource for the community.

History of the Somali Language Show

In 1995, 3CR provided a vital platform for Melbourne’s emerging Somali community by introducing the Somali Language Show. Abdiaziz Hersi, the founding presenter, came to 3CR for a six-month training course after arriving in Melbourne as a refugee in 1994. Originally from Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, Abdiaziz studied Italian, French, and Arabic at university in Somalia. He also edited Melbourne’s Somali newspaper Sahan from 1995 to 1996 and established the Somali Language Show.

Initially, gathering news for the program was challenging. Abdiaziz invested in an expensive radio and antennae and would wake up early to listen to BBC news. Today, the internet offers 24-hour access to information, including international radio programs.

Currently, co-presenter Hamdi Ali has been running the program for the past four years, emphasizing news and issues affecting the Somali community in Australia.