New African Jazz

Programme:
An Afropolitan singer-songwriter musical journey interweaving personal stories with modern jazz and African groove

Raised between Illinois in the US and Zambia in Africa, Somi grew up between two cultures and epitomises a truly transatlantic sound. The international press has compared the singer to the greats such as Miriam Makeba, Dianne Reeves and Nina Simone. And with good reason: the daughter of Rwandan-Ugandan parents has a similarly nuanced and rich voice and combines jazz, soul and pop with traditional African music in her songs. She describes her multicultural fusion sound as »New African Jazz«, explaining: »Some people see me as an African artist and not jazz, while others see me as a jazz artist influenced by Africa. But I’m not focused on genre«. Her political activism too is reflected in her lyrics, addressing topics such as transnationalism, cultural differences, female circumcision and genocide. This way, as a singer-songwriter, Somi combines jazz, soul and the music of her roots with profound lyrics to create deeply sensual and spiritual songs that also convey a strong socio-political message.

Somi Vocals
Benjamin Lackner piano, Rhodes
Hervé Samb guitar
Keith Witty upright and electric bass
Tilo Bertholo drums

In cooperation with Landkreis Cuxhaven