Main content

Waris Dirie: Destined to be famous

In 1987, Waris Dirie had her picture taken for the first time, after striking her first pose it was clear she belonged in front of the lens.

In 1987, an unknown 18 year-old Somalian model called Waris Dirie, walked into the studio of renowned British photographer Terence Donovan.

She had never had her picture taken before but after striking her first pose it was clear belonged in front of the lens.

Although she says modelling was β€œeasy-peasy” it was not an obvious career path for Waris.

She was born in the Somalian desert to a nomadic family.

When she was young she was forced to undergo female genital mutilation after which her family arranged a marriage for her.

Waris tells Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty how she walked barefoot across the Somalian desert to escape child marriage and how she became an international supermodel sensation.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the β€˜Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and GΓΆrel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Waris Dirie. Credit: Waris Dirie)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Thu 29 Aug 2024 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Wed 28 Aug 2024 07:50GMT
  • Wed 28 Aug 2024 11:50GMT
  • Wed 28 Aug 2024 17:50GMT
  • Wed 28 Aug 2024 21:50GMT
  • Thu 29 Aug 2024 02:50GMT

Featured in...

Podcast