Passions: boxing in Somalia, rap in Iraq and treasure hunters

In Somalia, boxing was banned between 1978 and 2018, and the country’s only official boxing club has recently opened in Mogadishu. The classes give a chance for young people to escape from poverty and years of violence, as well as an opportunity to achieve success and a better life. “We are fighting for a chance for a new life, both in and out of the ring,” says Amin, one of the young boxing adepts. “We’ve been through much worse and continue to fight.”

In Iraq, music is the hope for a better life for young people. Her position in Iraqi culture faltered after the US invasion in 2003, but 20 years later, a new generation of eclectic rap, techno, experimental and jazz artists emerged. One of the well-known producers is UsFoxx, who drew inspiration from the music played by American soldiers. Like many of his contemporaries, UsFoxx is a self-taught musician, and the internet and satellite TV were allowed after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. It has enabled young artists to soak up global influences and create a new aesthetic.

Spending time outdoors with a metal detector is gaining popularity in England. Thousands of enthusiast groups have been created on social media, where you can find stories, videos and photos about finds, and the British comedy series “Detectorists”, about the adventures of people devoted to searching for treasures, enjoys worldwide popularity. According to enthusiasts, metal detecting can be good for mental health, especially when someone is neurodiverse – patience and the ability to focus on one task will help.