When K’naan Warsame, renowned for his anthem “Wavin’ Flag,” decided to direct his debut film, he turned introspective. His project, “Mother Mother,” draws inspiration from a poignant chapter in his own life.

The narrative centers on a tumultuous confrontation sparked when Qalifo learns of his girlfriend’s liaison with a young American named Liban (Hassan Najib). This conflict, fraught with tension, sets the stage for heartbreaking repercussions that ripple through their community. Ultimately, it becomes imperative for Qalifo and Liban to bridge their differences and foster healing.

In crafting “Mother Mother,” Warsame tapped into a deeply emotional experience from his childhood, specifically the harrowing moment he was separated from his adopted brother while fleeing Somalia. His family, in a stroke of luck, secured U.S. visas, but financial constraints prevented them from purchasing tickets for everyone. At just 13, Warsame, accompanied by his mother and two biological siblings, boarded the final flight from Mogadishu as the Somali government crumbled. Tragically, his adopted brother remained behind.

Reflecting on this seismic moment over three decades later, Warsame describes it as a turning point that shaped his life and that of his brother, who remained in a war-torn Somalia, besieged by civil discord and militant uprisings. “It was a question that loomed over my existence since that day,” he recalls. “I grappled with the challenges of fitting into a new world while simultaneously carrying the weight of this loss.”

“Mother Mother” represents a labor of empathy as it revisits the harrowing flight through the perspective of a mother forced to make impossible decisions about who would escape and who would stay. “For me, cinema and literature offer a portal to understand others’ realities,” Warsame explains. He emphasizes the profound impact of his mother’s struggles, noting her unique challenges.

Produced by Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet of 25 Stories and Andrea Calderwood from Potboiler Productions, “Mother Mother” was filmed across northern Kenya and the Northeastern State region of Somalia. Warsame likens the collaborative essence of this project to a rewarding community experience, made vivid through the lens of César Charlone, Oscar-nominated for “City of God.”

After leaving Somalia, Warsame and his family initially settled in New York for several months before making Toronto their permanent home, where his musical career took flight. His debut album, “The Dusty Foot Philosopher,” garnered acclaim, leading to mainstream success, particularly with the global hit “Wavin’ Flag,” which became synonymous with the 2010 World Cup.

Amid this remarkable journey, Warsame grapples with a sense of obligation to tell stories that resonate with the immigrant experience. “When you possess the ticket, you bear a responsibility,” he insists. This compulsion to create has guided his artistic expression through narratives that reflect the Somali diaspora.

Earlier this year, the Recording Academy bestowed upon him the Best Song for Social Change Award for his stirring 2023 single “Refugee.” This poignant track underscores the ongoing plight of refugees worldwide, something Warsame often alludes to in his music, albeit indirectly. “The emotions tied to leaving someone behind thread through my work,” he shares, “even if not overtly.”

In 2016, Warsame took a stab at television, penning and directing the pilot for “Mogadishu, Minnesota,” an HBO family drama exploring Somali-American identity, produced by Kathryn Bigelow. However, the series succumbed to the politically charged atmosphere surrounding that year’s heated election.

Discussing potential projects, Warsame notes a mixed climate. “On one hand, there’s a noticeable appetite for diverse narratives, but I feel constrained by pre-existing notions of what these stories should encapsulate,” he argues, adding concerns over formulaic storytelling in Hollywood. He stresses the importance of authentic representation, free from industry-imposed narratives.

As he continues working on a musical intended for New York’s Public Theater, Warsame humorously admits it still feels far from completion. “Not even close,” he exclaims, chuckling, “but the journey is joyous. Crafting a musical is like juggling thirty songs while barely getting started.”

Despite the long hiatus since his last album, he remains a vibrant presence at music festivals and live performances. “These gigs foster a connection that’s profoundly gratifying,” he expresses. “Though fans may arrive seeking familiarity, I feel an urge to offer something more.” He laughs, “I need to share new music to make it worthwhile.”