Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and playwright Somi has been announced as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for the month of August. Celebrated globally for her narrative richness and genre-defying sound, Somi has built an extraordinary career bridging African rhythms with contemporary American jazz.
The announcement coincides with the release of her highly anticipated new album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, dropping on August 7, on Salon Africana. The 13-track project, led by the poignant single We’re All Falling, is an intimate meditation on self-discovery, identity, and finding belonging amid life’s dissonance. Co-produced by Somi alongside Benjamin James (of Nigerian Highlife duo The Cavemen.), the album features guest appearances from The Cavemen. and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. Recorded across Dakar, Lagos, Paris, and New York City, the album weaves global sensibilities into Somi’s most personal work to date.
Born in Illinois to parents from Rwanda and Uganda, Somi’s artistry is rooted in storytelling that connects Africa with the diaspora. She became the first African woman ever nominated in a Grammy jazz category, earning a nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her live album Holy Room. Her groundbreaking work continues to elevate African narratives on the world’s most prestigious stages while honoring the iconic women who paved the way before her.
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Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme celebrates women artists who are shaping the future of African music by amplifying their voices and connecting them with new audiences across the continent and beyond. Through her storytelling, commitment to her heritage and trailblazing career, Somi reflects the transformative impact of women shaping African music today.
“Somi’s artistry is a powerful testament to the rich, 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 space for African women on international stages, she perfectly embodies the spirit of the EQUAL programme. We are honoured to celebrate her voice and vision this August.”
“To make music as a woman to lead bands, build a label, and hold onto your own voice, is to work in rooms that weren’t designed for you. That work is often invisible and rarely without cost,” says Somi. “EQUAL matters to me because it insists that women’s voices don’t just belong here; they shape what this industry becomes. To be lifted alongside so many women artists around the planet, at this moment in my life, and in this chapter of my work, means so much. Thank you for the honour.”
To celebrate her selection as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for August, we caught up with Somi to learn more about her musical journey, creative inspiration and advice for aspiring artists.
We caught up with Somi for a quick chat on her journey so far.
1. What is one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
It might surprise people to know that I’m also a playwright and actor who has worked on Broadway.
2. What first drew you to music, and what continues to inspire you to create?
I can’t say that I have ever had a moment when I realised music was my destiny, but I know that nothing else makes me feel as alive and connected as singing does. I’m grateful for that knowledge and the opportunities I’ve had to use my gift in this lifetime. I keep pursuing music because of the joy it brings me and the stories I’m able to uplift and share with others along the way.
3. Which African songs or artists did you grow 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 someone discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe your sound?
Story-based songs framed by modern jazz, pan-African grooves and soulful intimacy.
5. What advice would you give to someone who is afraid to follow their dreams?
Listen to your heart, never be afraid of being your whole self, and always be honest with the music. Your audience will feel it deeply and thank you for it.
6. How do you navigate the music industry as a woman, and how has that shaped your artistry?
So many of my songs are informed by the embodied experience of being a woman. That is something I did not set out to do, but as I continue on this journey, I feel more and more thankful for it. I believe it is important for women not only to share our lived experiences through our artistry, but also to provide examples for future generations so they have the confidence to take up more space both on stage and behind the scenes.
African women have not been very visible on international jazz stages, despite the vibrant community that I know exists across the continent. As the first African woman nominated in a Grammy jazz category, it is never lost on me that I stand on the shoulders of giants like Miriam Makeba, Cesaria Evora and Letta Mbulu. Being able to represent that lineage, and the many voices of African women globally, is something for which I am both humbled and grateful. More importantly, I hope my work helps create space for future voices from the continent, whether they work within or beyond the jazz category.
7. What has navigating the music industry as a woman taught you, and what does being part of the EQUAL programme mean to you?
To make music as a woman, to lead bands, build a label, and hold onto your own voice, is to work in rooms that weren’t designed for you. That work is often invisible and rarely without cost. EQUAL matters to me because it insists that women’s voices don’t just belong here; they shape what this industry becomes. To be lifted alongside so many women artists around the planet, at this moment in my life, and in this chapter of my work, means so much. Thank you for the honor.
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