Somali on Air was the idea of long time childhood friends Elias Mohammed Omar and Abdirazak Socoto after their move to the UK in the mid 1990's. Both had been brought up in Somalia, and fled their country at different times before they were reunited in London.

Abdirazak (or Socoto as he is known on air) started his career in journalism at the newspaper 'Hornimo'. In 2005 Elias graduated from Westminster University in Media Studies and together with Abdirazak developed the concept of a new radio programme. A year later Somali on Air had its first broadcast on Spectrum.

Somali On Air features a mix of contemporary and traditional Somali Music with features and interviews for the UK Somali community. It brings the UK's large Somali community news and information from back home and gives advice and support.

Confirmation of how vital Somali on Air is for the British Somali Community came in July 2007. Out of all the terrible deaths of teenagers in the UK due to street violence that year 18 were from the Somali Community. A special show was dedicated to all of the families involved, not only out of remembrance but also to offer crucial support and practical advice to listeners calling into the Show, from Somali speaking counselors. Somali on Air is the only Somali Radio Show broadcasting in the Somali language from the UK.