Somi

Somi is an American jazz and pop singer and songwriter; her original music is influenced by her Ugandan and Rwandan heritage. Her natural alto vocals are full and smoky, with a wide range. Stylistically, she inhabits traditions between Dianne Reeves, Nina Simone, Letta Mbulu, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Her debut album, Eternal Motive, appeared in 2003 from SanaaHouse Productions. In 2014, she issued Lagos Music Salon for Epic's OKeh imprint. It included guest performances from Common and Angelique Kidjo. 2017's Petite Afrique, turned her attention to New York's Harlem, and drew inspiration from its deep cultural roots to celebrate America's immigrant experience. She returned in 2022 with Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba. Four years later, she released What Does It Take to Bloom?, an intimate meditation on uncertainty, personal loss, change, and the mapping of the self.