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Somi

When Somi was growing up, her mother told her that the rain, ever unpredictable, could be as much a blessing as a challenge. The blessings might come before the rain, or they could come after—it's all in the timing, she said. That notion has stayed with the charismatic singer and songwriter all her life and now provides a metaphorical focus for her third album, If The Rains Come First. The album, which releases October 13 on ObliqSound, is a stunning collection of self-penned story-based songs, a meditation on opening ourselves up to life's blessings and challenges much in the way that we accept the rain and all that it brings.

If the Rains Come First builds upon elements that first surfaced on Somi's two previous recordings: the electric soul-jazz of 2003's Eternal Motive (SanaaHouse) and the acoustic, culture-merging elegance of 2007's multilingual Red Soil in My Eyes (World Village/Harmonia Mundi). But her further evolution becomes immediately apparent as If the Rains Come First unfolds. Singing in English and three East African languages, Somi's vocal delivery is subtle yet the power she exerts is enormous.

Optimism, conviction and resilience are hallmarks of Somi's new creations—these are songs of survival and awareness. "Changing Inspiration" speaks of surveying the present, remembering lessons of the past, and allowing both to inform and inspire the possibilities of the future. "Jewel of His Soul" was motivated by Somi's Parisian encounter with a homeless Senegalese man who had been an intellectual in his homeland before falling on harder times in his adopted country. "Kuzunguka," which means "turning around" in Swahili, celebrates Somi's father's successful fight against cancer. "Be Careful, Be Kind" expresses Somi's emotional response to a young cousin's tragic death in a car accident and her family's coming to peace with it. "Prayer To the Saint of the Brokenhearted," reflects on the sense of helplessness and hopelessness one often feels after heartache, while serving as a reminder of the possibilities of faith and renewal. And the title track offers assurance that we can always go home for grounding, support and love.

At the core of each of Somi's highly personal and intimate tales are shared emotions and experiences of love, life, loss and learning. "Enganjyani," which means 'most beloved' in Rutooro, the language spoken by Somi's Ugandan mother, refers to, as she puts it, "the memory of whispered prayer and being haunted by a past lover." The track features the legendary Hugh Masekela, a longtime Somi fan who has become a mentor, guesting on trumpet.

With If the Rains Come First, Somi's songwriting has taken on a new sophistication and depth. Surrounded by a cast of virtuosic collaborators who understand precisely where she's going and how to get there, Somi burrows deeply into her words and ultimately something transcendent emerges. Her vision was shared by the album's co-producers, ObliqSound co-founder Michele Locatelli and Backdrop/ObliqSound labelmate Michael Olatuja, both of whom also perform on the album. "Hopefully," Somi says, "people will feel the personal nature of the stories being told and the diverse musical influences poured into the melody and instrumentation."

A true multicultural woman, Somi was born in Illinois to immigrants from Rwanda and Uganda, then spent her early childhood in Zambia. A self-described "classical music nerd" as a child, she began studying the cello in primary school, an endeavor that continued well into her college years. Encouraged by her mother's love of song, Somi began singing herself, performing in church and eventually landing roles in her university's musical theater productions. The African cultural legacy, always crucial to her sound, is as vital as ever in her current music, which Somi likes to call New African Soul. But so too is the music she heard upon relocating to New York, with American jazz singers like Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan as essential to her artistic development as the legendary African female voices of Miriam Makeba, Cesaria Evora and Sade.

The percussive thrust at the heart of African music is also a fundamental component of If the Rains Come First, brought to bear by an all-star African rhythm section of Ivorian percussionist Madou Koné, Senegalese guitarist Herve Samb, and Nigerian bassist Michael Olatuja. Somi recorded the album's 11 songs in Paris in order to take advantage of the city's sizable African music scene, then finished it in New York to avail herself of the world's greatest jazz community. Among the exemplary musicians who provide the coloring that fleshes out Somi's songs are longtime collaborators Toru Dodo on Fender Rhodes and piano, and guitarists Liberty Ellman, David Gilmore and Michele Locatelli.

From the album's opening track, "Hot Blue," Somi's delicate yet pliant vocalizing is matched by the band's flair for establishing a potent groove against a sweet melody line. "Rising," a song about faith and navigating life's challenges, is all forward motion, a flawless juxtaposition of sizzling rhythm, instantly memorable melody and a vocal style that JazzTimes magazine describes as "the earthy gutsiness of Nina Simone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves," All Music Guide calls "hauntingly reverent, intense and utterly captivating," and Vogue simply calls "superb." Somi's masterful technique also shines through on the album's closing song, "Maybe Then," a gentle ballad touching on the not mutually exclusive desire to believe in a dwindling love while treating another as we would hope to be treated.

"Somi has an incredible subtlety and different colors in her voice," notes Locatelli. "Her music has many different personalities, and she is an amazing songwriter with strong intuition. For this album, we wanted to bring out her intimate side, as well as her gift for melodic storytelling."

As her career has taken off, Somi's talents have been called upon for collaborations and live performances with such greats as John Legend, Cassandra Wilson, Mos Def and Paul Simon. Most recently, internationally renowned Israeli singer-songwriter Idan Raichel featured her vocals on his latest album Within My Walls (Cumbancha), on the track "Maisha," which Somi also co-wrote. In addition to her own works, Somi also aims to bring other important cultural gems to light, and has founded a non-profit arts organization, New Africa Live, committed to producing multidisciplinary arts events that celebrate contemporary African artists.

As active as she is, Somi always takes the time necessary to finesse each song she crafts. If the Rains Come First reveals the careful attention she pays to getting it right. "I never force a song out," she says. "Usually having quiet space for introspection and meditation inspires me deeply. I've also begun doing more co-writing with the musicians in my band for stronger harmonic arrangements and the opportunity to share the music with them in a more personal way."

"The songs on this album reflect where I am emotionally and spiritually today," Somi continues. "At the end of the day, I still know who I am and where home is before, during, and after the rain—it's in the music." Show less

New Releases Plus Jazz Fathers Jam With Their Offspring

by Mary Foster Conklin
June 27, 2022

The annual Fathers Day broadcast celebrates Jazz Fathers and their children, presents new releases from NYO Jazz, Subconscious Trio, Jo Harrop, Carole Nelson Trio, Melissa Errico and the Paxton/Spangler Septet, plus birthday shoutouts to Daryl Sherman, Brianna Thomas, Alicia Olatuja, Carol Robbins, Nancy King and Tamuz Nissim, among others. Thanks for listening and please support the artists you hear on the show--see them live, buy (don't just stream) their music so they can continue to distract, provoke, comfort and inspire. ...

Album Review

Somi: Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba

Read "Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi

by Angelo Leonardi
March 21, 2022

Il legame musicale e simbolico con l'Africa resta centrale nella produzione artistica di Somi, la vocalist e cantautrice statunitense dai genitori africani giunta al successo con gli album The Lagos Music Saloon e Holy Room. Il suo nuovo progetto è dedicato a Miriam Makeba, che avrebbe compiuto 90 anni il 4 marzo, data di pubblicazione del presente album. I brani in scaletta, tutti presi dallo storico repertorio della cantante, sono condivisi col musical Dreaming Zenzile, che Somi ...

Live Review

Somi at Dazzle

by Geoff Anderson
January 26, 2019

Somi Dazzle Denver, CO January 16, 2019 A case can be made that all Western popular music can trace its origins to Africa. Even if that's a bit of an exaggeration, it's not when it comes to vocalist/songwriter Somi. She was born in Illinois, but her parents were immigrants from Rwanda and Uganda. Wanting to get back to her roots, she spent a year and a half in Lagos, Nigeria to better understand the continent ...

Album Review

Somi: Petite Afrique

Read "Petite Afrique" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
April 29, 2017

Somi's debut on the Okeh imprint--The Lagos Music Salon (Okeh, 2014)--pulled no punches. It tackled tough topics within an African framework, bringing hard truths to bear in soulful fashion. This follow-up is equally impactful, but it shifts focus stateside, eyeing the titular Harlem neighborhood that Somi calls home now. In addressing life along 116th Street, Somi opens eyes to the cultural ideals and struggles associated with the working class immigrants that reside there while also touching on ...

Album Review

Somi: The Lagos Music Salon

Read "The Lagos Music Salon" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi

by Angelo Leonardi
October 22, 2014

L'attuale rinascita del soul, nella nuova connessione tra radici storiche, jazz, hip-hop e Africa non è solo europea (inglese e francese, soprattutto). Evidenziata da giovani cantanti nere con precise radici africane, trova in Somi una figura di crescente rilevanza, destinata ad ampio successo. 33 anni, nata negli Stati Uniti da genitori provenienti da Rwanda e Uganda, s'era messa in luce con il raffinato album del 2009 If the Rains Come First e oggi torna alla ribalta con ...

Album Review

Somi: The Lagos Music Salon

Read "The Lagos Music Salon" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
August 21, 2014

To most people, the junction of New York and Lagos, Nigeria may not seem like a natural place for an album to take shape. Somi, thankfully, thought otherwise. This worldly and well-traveled vocalist makes it seem like the most natural of meeting points on The Lagos Music Salon. Somi's music has always been informed by African, R&B and soul influences, but an eighteen month stay in Lagos helped her dig deeper into the African cultural soil than ...

Radio

Vocalist Somi to be interviewed on Reeds and Deeds II

Source: Lydia Liebman
February 13, 2011

This Sunday's broadcast of “Reeds & Deeds II" will feature an exclusive interview with jazz vocalist Somi. Somi is performing Monday night at the Regattabar in Cambridge to celebrate Valentines Day. The interview is scheduled to air at 6:30 on www.wecb.fm. Somi will talk about her musical background, the creative process of her two albums “Red Soil In My Eyes" and “If The Rain Comes First," and her upcoming show in Cambridge. “Reeds & Deeds II" is broadcast on WECB ...
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Recording

Somi Releases Third Album, If the Rains Come First

Source: GoMedia PR
October 9, 2009

Acclaimed Jazz/World/Neo-Soul Artist Will Perform in New York, DC and Boston To Support CD Release

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Performance / Tour

Somi: Live at Joe's Pub in New York City!

Source: All About Jazz
July 2, 2009

Fast rising East African vocalist Somi will perform at Joe's Pub in New York City on July 9th, 2009 at 7:30PM.

Originally from Rwanda and Uganda, Somi has made West Harlem her home over the past five years. Her critically acclaimed album Red Soil In My Eyes (Harmonia Mundi, 2007) maintained a spot in the top 10 world music charts for several weeks after its release while she performed to audiences across four continents. She has since worked with or ...
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221

Music Industry

ObliqSound Signs Vocalist and Songwriter Somi

Source: All About Jazz
March 12, 2009

ObliqSound is pleased to announce the signing of its newest artist, vocalist and songwriter Somi, whose label debut will release this fall. A finalist in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest for her single “Ingele" from her critically acclaimed album Red Soil In My Eyes (2007, Harmonia Mundi), Somi will perform at the 2009 SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas next week. She is the second female vocalist signed to seven-year-old independent label ObliqSound. “Somi is an exciting addition to the ...
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Performance / Tour

New African Soul-Jazz Vocalist Somi: Live at Joe's Pub! (Sat. 1.13.07 - Last Night of Iaje)

Source: JANLYN PR - Jana La Sorte
January 8, 2007

Rising East African singer/songwriter Somi returns to Joe's Pub on Saturday, January 13th, 2007 at 9PM to perform music from her sophomore album, Red Soil In My Eyes (Harmonia Mundi, 2007).

Originally from Rwanda and Uganda, Somi celebrates her East African heritage while staying true to soul and jazz traditions. Somi has worked with the likes of Roy Hargrove, Amel Larrieux, Lionel Loueke, and Lonnie Plaxico. With praise from Hugh Masekela, Cheik Tidiane Seck, and the generous sponsorship of the ...
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220

Performance / Tour

African Soul-Jazz Vocalist Somi: Red Soil In My Eyes East Coast Tour

Source: All About Jazz
June 14, 2006

"One of the most distinctive voices of New York's progressive soul movement"--Village Voice

Since Somi is a Gemini, we thought June would be the perfect month to kick off the exciting promotional tour of her soon to be released record Red Soil In My Eyes. Join us if you are in New York, Boston, D.C., Baltimore, or Rochester at one or all of Somi's upcoming performances. And if you can't be there, be sure to tell your East Coast people ...
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Performance / Tour

Nouveau African Jazz Vocalist SOMI at The Blue Note for Pre-Valentine Special

Source: All About Jazz
February 11, 2006

On Monday, February 13th, 2006, SOMI will return to the legendary Blue Note to exhale a belly full of stories on life, love, and liberation. Originally from Uganda and Rwanda, SOMI's music gives voice to the post-colonial African experience in the Diaspora with an authentic blend of the contemporary and the traditional. The juxtaposition of her mellifluous voice and the ferociously beautiful acoustic composition of her band creates organic textures that are at once haunting and sweet, subtle and profound. ...
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Performance / Tour

Nouveau African Jazz & Soul Vocalist SOMI at Joe's Pub!! (Mon. Oct.3rd, 2005)

Source: All About Jazz
September 16, 2005

"...one of the most distinctive voices of New York's progressive Soul Movement." - Village Voice On Monday, October 3rd, 2005, SOMI will return to Joe's Pub to exhale a belly full of stories on life, love, and liberation. Originally from Uganda and Rwanda, SOMI's music gives voice to the post-colonial African experience in the Diaspora with an authentic blend of the contemporary and the traditional. The juxtaposition of her mellifluous voice and the ferociously beautiful acoustic composition of her band ...
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Performance / Tour

Nouveau African Jazz-Soul Vocalist Somi to perform at B.B.King's with Jeremiah

Source: All About Jazz
July 4, 2005

On Saturday, July 16th, 2005, SOMI will perform in the heart of Times Square at the legendary B.B.King's stage to exhale a belly full of stories on life, love, and liberation. Originally from Uganda and Rwanda, SOMI's music gives voice to the post-colonial African experience in the Diaspora with an authentic blend of the contemporary and the traditional. SOMI is currently finishing her highly-anticipated sophomore release entitled “Red Soil In My Eyes” which celebrates her East African heritage while staying ...
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Event

Nouveau African Soul/Jazz Vocalist SOMI - Live at Joe's Pub!! (with Strings)

Source: All About Jazz
March 16, 2005

The beauty of spring has brought SOMI back to Joe's Pub for another amazing show! Monday, March 28th, 2005 she will return to the one of downtown's premier venues to exhale a belly full of stories on life, love, and liberation. Originally from Uganda and Rwanda, SOMI's music gives voice to the post-colonial African experience in the Diaspora with an authentic blend of the contemporary and the traditional. SOMI is currently finishing her highly-anticipated sophomore release entitled “Red Soil In ...
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All elegance and awe...utterly captivating! —All Music Guide

Somi really took me by surprise. Here’s an African woman with the sultry sensuous voice of a great soul singer, and she’s true to her roots too. As if that weren’t enough, she gets great arrangements and musicians. She’s really a great new voice! —TOM SCHNABEL, CAFÉ LA, KCRW FM

Imagine the earthy gutsiness of Nina Simone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves. Such is Somi. —JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE

...one of the most distinctive voices of New York’s progressive Soul Movement. —VILLAGE VOICE

East African singer Somi’s voice is full-bodied and sure. —TIME OUT NEW YORK

All elegance and awe...utterly captivating! —All Music Guide

Imagine the earthy gutsiness of Nina Simone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves. Such is Somi. —JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE

...one of the most distinctive voices of New York’s progressive Soul Movement. —VILLAGE VOICE

East African singer Somi’s voice is full-bodied and sure. —TIME OUT NEW YORK

...this enchanting vocalist proves that we must drop the term “world music” once and for all and stop lumping African cultures and music together. Blessed with a sparkling, crystalline voice and the restraint to let it sit within the music as one instrument among many, Somi’s work is delicately threaded and flows by with breezy, effortless grace. Jazzy chord structures change with the utmost patience...Expect smoldering intensity live. ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

...Red Soil in My Eyes...celebrates her East African heritage while staying true to soul and jazz traditions...gives voice to the post-colonial African experience in the Diaspora with an authentic blend of the contemporary and traditional. —CARIBBEAN LIFE

...the smooth, deep-voiced singer of Rwandese and Ugandan heritage moved around a lot as a kid, becoming a citizen of the world in the process. Jazz, funk, soul, gospel and African music are all rolled into what she calls ‘holistic new African soul,’ and she’s not afraid to shuffle line-ups to better explore different facets of her music...A deeply personal album, it soars on the strength of her voice and maturity, no doubt taking this singer to the next phase of her career. —GLOBAL RHYTHM

Grace, nobility, empathy, seduction, swing, global vision, cinematic sweep—these are just a few of the terms that come to mind when attempting to describe the feelings elicited by Somi and her songful, sublime debut. The bridge between jazz and Africa just took on a new elevation. —GREG TATE, MUSIC CRITIC

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