Elmi Original. The Somali Museum at Whitechapel Gallery (2023) Photo: Elliott Gunn Elmi Original
Elmi Original is a Somali-British artist and musician based in London. His work spans music production, art, and performance, often blending elements of Somali heritage with contemporary genres like Afrobeat, Amapiano, Afrohouse, RnB, Hip Hop and electronic music. Elmi Original has contributed to several cultural and artistic projects, including the Somali Museum: Any-Space-Whatever exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery in 2023. This exhibition highlighted the role of Somali art and storytelling through various mediums, including film, photography, and music, where Elmi’s work played a key part in bridging traditional Somali cultural elements with modern artistic expression.
In addition to his contributions to art exhibitions, Elmi Original is also active in music, with his work available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. His projects are recognised for celebrating Somali identity while challenging conventional narratives within both the art and music industries.
He is a contributor to the ongoing research project, The Anarchist Citizenship: People Made of Stories, on show at Framer Framed from 27 October 2024 until 26 January 2025.
Exhibitions
