Search Chicago Jazz
Jazz Calendar
There are no shows posted for today. Please check back soon.
Hothouse brings Somi to Chicago
Hothouse brings Somi to Chicago
Date Posted: June 17 2010
Written By: chicago jazz
|
 Bookmark it!
|
Internationally acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Somi has announced a very special show in Chicago on June 18th @ The Shrine. An Illinois native, this is Somi’s first show in Chicago in support of her critically acclaimed third album, If The Rains Come First.
Somi’s Chicago appearance was listed in a recent Vogue article that praised this rising young performer, “An alluring collection of stories encased in a soft and steady rhythm, the third album by Somi—If the Rains Come First (ObliqSound)—marks a departure for this pioneer of a new and promising generation of emerging African artists.”
If the Rains Come First debuted at #2 on the Billboard World Music Charts. Singing in English and three East African languages, Somi masterfully blends elements of her African roots with American Jazz and soul. The album features Grammy winning South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and an all-star African rhythm section including Madou Koné, Herve Samb, and Olatuja.
Somi's African cultural legacy is crucial to her sound. Born to Rwandan and Ugandan immigrants, Somi grew up in both the African country of Zambia and Champaign, Illinois. Somi moved to New York City and was instantly influenced by the sounds of American jazz singers like Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan. These voices became as essential to her artistic development as the legendary African female voices of Miriam Makeba, Cesaria Evora and Sade.
Somi’s vocal delivery is subtle yet the power she exerts is enormous. JazzTimes magazine describes her live performance as “the earthy gutsiness of Nina Simone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves.” According to Derek Rath of NPR, "Her lyrics are intimate and personal, turning on the everyday tribulations of life — things to which we can all relate. This seeming vulnerability is her strength, and her singing exudes both with confidence."
Somi currently lives in Harem, but continues to perform in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. She has been called upon for collaborations and live performances alongside John Legend, Cassandra Wilson, Mos Def and Paul Simon. Most recently, internationally renowned Israeli artist Idan Raichel featured Somi on his latest platinum-selling album Within My Walls. Somi performed on and co-wrote the track “Maisha”.
Somi is also the founder of New Africa Live, a non-profit organization with the aim of carving out a cultural space of belonging for contemporary African artists through multi-disciplinary events and performances. Over the past two years, New Africa Live have presented acclaimed and influential artist such as Somali folk hip-hop emcee K’NAAN, South African superstar Zolani Mahola of Freshly Ground, the electro-soul project of the Ghanaian lead singer of Fela! Abena Koomson, South African art rock collective BlkJks and Grammy winning jazz artist Lionel Loueke of Benin.
Don't miss anymore Chicago Jazz Information.
Subscribe to Chicago Jazz magazine / Get A Free CD.
Subscribe to our Chicago Jazz weekly newsletter.
