Somi bridges African and Western jazz traditions
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In the past two decades, singer Laura Kabasomi Kakoma, known as Somi, has connected jazz from Africa and the West through her music.
Born in Illinois to Rwandan and Ugandan parents and raised in Zambia, Somi draws on her upbringing to create a unique sound. She has collaborated with South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and helped revitalize the Okeh Records jazz label. Somi’s work intentionally honors multiple musical traditions, which she describes as truthfully representing her heritage.
Her albums explore the cultures of cities like Lagos, Nigeria and Harlem, New York, reflecting the experiences of African immigrants. Beyond music, Somi is a playwright and actress, having written and starred in an Off-Broadway musical about Miriam Makeba and appearing on Broadway in “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” Her newest album, “What Does It Take to Bloom?,” produced with Benjamin James of the Nigerian highlife band the Cavemen, is considered her most polished work to date.
She will perform songs from this album and previous projects at Sony Hall in October. Somi also continues to explore themes of identity and heritage through her artistic endeavors.
