Description
Somi Kakoma is a US-based singer, songwriter, playwright and actor of Rwandan and Ugandan descent. Her albums have included guest appearances from the likes of Common, Angelique Kidjo and the late Hugh Masekela, while she earned a Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy nomination in 2021 - the first African woman to be recognised in any Jazz category. Her acclaimed 2022 album, 'Zenzile - The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba', is a celebration of the music and messages of social justice made by the 'first lady of African song' and features interpretations of some of Makeba's best known recordings.
The initial CD and digital release was met with widespread acclaim by UK press:
"A superbly played, beautifully executed and exquisitely produced celebration of African-American culture reimagined for the 21st Century *****" JAZZWISE
"Accompanied by a crack acoustic jazz combo, Somi's voice is supple and seductive, as gutsy as Nina Simone or as smoothly sultry as Sarah Vaughan ****" SONGLINES
"Between her African roots and American life, Somi is perfectly placed to blend styles. It's a beautiful album ****" ECHOES
Two singles from the album, 'Love Tastes Like Strawberries' (a duet with Gregory Porter) and 'House Of The Rising Sun', were a A-listed Tracks of the Week at Jazz FM, with the album itself made Album of the Week. Songs from the album were also played on BBC Radio 2 (Jamie Cullum) and Radio 3's 'J to Z', on which she was also interviewed. This feature will be re-run in mid-February ahead of a forthcoming rare live appearance at Ronnie Scott's in London to promote a brand new 2xLP format of the album, with further press and radio activity lined up to coincide.
