Today we’d like to introduce you to Fousia Abdullahi.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
At a young age, I immigrated to Canada from Somalia, and one of the ways my parents taught us about our Somali culture was through storytelling. From a young age, I was known for creating stories and performing those stories for my family and neighbors. Now I’m a mother of 4 and as my kids grow up and I felt the need to start something of my own outside of my family life, and I began to search for different ways to serve women in my community.
Please tell us about your art.
I produce and host a Podcast called Naptime Is Sacred. On the podcast, I Interview Muslim women from all over the world who have amazing stories to share. Their stories motivate and inspire busy women to take time to pursue their own interests, passions, and personal growth. While at the same time letting our voices and experience speak for us and not the stereotypes people are used to hearing.
I’ve always loved speaking with people and podcasting is a great way to provide a platform to share the stories of Muslim women to inspire people all over the world. Along with podcasting, I lead a monthly Mothers discussion group at a local community space called Roots. We get together and chat about all things motherhood related in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Previously I co-hosted a radio talk show about community issues on a local station here in DFW.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I believe artists are held to a higher standard. Artist’s have always been activists in their own right, but these days we’re also expected to be “woke” and outspoken. This isn’t inherently a bad thing, but it’s also not safe for everyone to do so. For a really long time the narrative surrounding Muslim women were, and in traditional media still is, of the fully veiled woman who has no privileges and is oppressed. One of the goals of my podcast has always been to share the stories of everyday Muslim women who have so many amazing accomplishments that need to be highlighted and celebrated. In doing so, I hope to steer the discourse surrounding Islam, and women into an honest, open, and safe discussion.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The Naptime Is Sacred Podcast is free and can be found on almost all the podcasting platforms like Apple podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, Soundcloud and on my website. For the mother’s discussion group, our next meeting is on February 23rd at Roots Dfw.
Contact Info:
- Address: naptimeissacred@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.naptimeissacred.com/
- Email: naptimeissacred@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naptimeissacred/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naptimeissacred/
- Other: bit.ly/naptimeissacred
Image Credit:
Roots Community Space @rootsdfw, and Awo Aden
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
