Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and playwright Somi has been introduced as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for the month of August. Celebrated globally for her narrative richness and genre-defying sound, Somi has constructed a rare profession bridging African rhythms with modern American jazz.
The announcement coincides with the discharge of her extremely anticipated new album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, dropping on August 7, on Salon Africana. The 13-track venture, led by the poignant single We’re All Falling, is an intimate meditation on self-discovery, identification, and discovering belonging amid life’s dissonance. Co-produced by Somi alongside Benjamin James (of Nigerian Highlife duo The Cavemen.), the album options visitor appearances from The Cavemen. and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. Recorded throughout Dakar, Lagos, Paris, and New York Metropolis, the album weaves world sensibilities into Somi’s most private work so far.
Born in Illinois to folks from Rwanda and Uganda, Somi’s artistry is rooted in storytelling that connects Africa with the diaspora. She grew to become the primary African lady ever nominated in a Grammy jazz class, incomes a nomination for Greatest Jazz Vocal Album for her stay album Holy Room. Her groundbreaking work continues to raise African narratives on the world’s most prestigious levels whereas honoring the enduring girls who paved the best way earlier than her.
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Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme celebrates girls artists who’re shaping the way forward for African music by amplifying their voices and connecting them with new audiences throughout the continent and past. By her storytelling, dedication to her heritage and trailblazing profession, Somi displays the transformative influence of ladies shaping African music immediately.
“Somi’s artistry is a robust testomony to the wealthy, transcendent legacy of African jazz and storytelling,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. “As a barrier-breaking artist who continues to carve out area for African girls on worldwide levels, she completely embodies the spirit of the EQUAL programme. We’re honoured to have fun her voice and imaginative and prescient this August.”
“To make music as a girl to steer bands, construct a label, and maintain onto your individual voice, is to work in rooms that weren’t designed for you. That work is commonly invisible and barely with out price,” says Somi. “EQUAL issues to me as a result of it insists that ladies’s voices do not simply belong right here; they form what this trade turns into. To be lifted alongside so many ladies artists across the planet, at this second in my life, and on this chapter of my work, means a lot. Thanks for the honour.”
To have fun her choice as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for August, we caught up with Somi to be taught extra about her musical journey, artistic inspiration and recommendation for aspiring artists.
We caught up with Somi for a fast chat on her journey to this point.
1. What’s one stunning factor your followers won’t find out about you?
It’d shock folks to know that I am additionally a playwright and actor who has labored on Broadway.
2. What first drew you to music, and what continues to encourage you to create?
I am unable to say that I’ve ever had a second after I realised music was my future, however I do know that nothing else makes me really feel as alive and related as singing does. I am grateful for that data and the alternatives I’ve had to make use of my reward on this lifetime. I hold pursuing music due to the enjoyment it brings me and the tales I can uplift and share with others alongside the best way.
3. Which African songs or artists did you develop up listening to?
Miriam Makeba, Koffi Olomide, Sade, Papa Wemba, Jimmy Katumba, Afrigo, Seal, Khadja Nin, Cecile Kayirebwa, Hugh Masekela and Tabu Ley Rochereau.
4. To somebody discovering your music for the primary time, how would you describe your sound?
Story-based songs framed by fashionable jazz, pan-African grooves and soulful intimacy.
5. What recommendation would you give to somebody who’s afraid to comply with their desires?
Hearken to your coronary heart, by no means be afraid of being your complete self, and all the time be trustworthy with the music. Your viewers will really feel it deeply and thanks for it.
6. How do you navigate the music trade as a girl, and the way has that formed your artistry?
So lots of my songs are knowledgeable by the embodied expertise of being a girl. That’s one thing I didn’t got down to do, however as I proceed on this journey, I really feel increasingly grateful for it. I imagine it can be crucial for girls not solely to share our lived experiences by way of our artistry, but in addition to supply examples for future generations in order that they have the boldness to take up extra space each on stage and behind the scenes.
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African girls haven’t been very seen on worldwide jazz levels, regardless of the colourful neighborhood that I do know exists throughout the continent. As the primary African lady nominated in a Grammy jazz class, it’s by no means misplaced on me that I stand on the shoulders of giants like Miriam Makeba, Cesaria Evora and Letta Mbulu. With the ability to symbolize that lineage, and the numerous voices of African girls globally, is one thing for which I’m each humbled and grateful. Extra importantly, I hope my work helps create area for future voices from the continent, whether or not they work inside or past the jazz class.
7. What has navigating the music trade as a girl taught you, and what does being a part of the EQUAL programme imply to you?
To make music as a girl, to steer bands, construct a label, and maintain onto your individual voice, is to work in rooms that weren’t designed for you. That work is commonly invisible and barely with out price. EQUAL issues to me as a result of it insists that ladies’s voices do not simply belong right here; they form what this trade turns into. To be lifted alongside so many ladies artists across the planet, at this second in my life, and on this chapter of my work, means a lot. Thanks for the glory.