Actor

Vocalist

Vocalist, composer, and playwright Somi Kakoma was raised between Illinois and Zambia, and is the daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda. Known in the jazz world simply as “Somi,” The New York Times recently described her as “a virtuosic performer in full command of her instrument and powers.” In March 2022, Somi released her fifth studio album Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba, all-star tribute album honoring the great South African artist and activist in commemoration of what would have been the late singer’s 90th birthday. The album won an inaugural Jazz Music Award for Best Vocal Performance. As a companion project to the album, Somi also wrote and starred in the critically-acclaimed original musical about Makeba called “Dreaming Zenzile” that toured nationally and Off-Broadway last season. Prior to the Zenzile album, Somi released an unplanned live album called Holy Room featuring the Frankfurt Radio Big Band at the height of the 2020 global lockdown. The album ultimately earned her a 2021 Grammy® nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, making her the first African woman ever nominated in any of the Grammy jazz categories. The album also won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Vocal Album. Her previous studio album Petite Afrique, which also won an NAACP Image Award, tells the story of the vibrant African immigrant community in midst of a rapidly gentrifying Harlem in New York City and was the highly anticipated follow-up to Somi's major label debut, The Lagos Music Salon. This fall, she will debut on Broadway in the title role a new play called “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” by Joceyln Bioh.

Somi

Jimmy Lyons Stage

### Event Description: SOMI: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba

**Event Dates:** June 7 - June 8, 2024  
**Location:** Arthur Laurents Theater, NBPAC

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an extraordinary musical experience with "SOMI: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba," a concert that pays tribute to the legendary South African singer and activist, Miriam Makeba. This event will feature the virtuosic talents of Somi Kakoma, known simply as Somi in the jazz world. 

**About Somi:**
Somi is a vocalist, composer, actor, and playwright, celebrated for her powerful performances and deep cultural insights. She is the daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda and has made significant contributions to the jazz genre. Her fifth studio album, "Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba," serves as a companion project to her critically acclaimed musical "Dreaming Zenzile," which she wrote and starred in Off-Broadway.

Somi's accolades include a 2021 Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, making her the first African woman ever nominated in any of the Grammy jazz categories. She is also a recipient of the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Award, two NAACP Image Awards for Best Vocal Jazz Album, and the inaugural Jazz Music Award for Best Vocal Performance.

**Opening Performance:**
The concert will open with a special performance by Bongi Duma, honoring the legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela. Bongi Duma is a renowned composer, singer, vocal arranger, and music producer, known for his work with Broadway Disney’s "The Lion King" and various international music projects.

**Additional Information:**
- **Website:** [www.somimusic.com](http://www.somimusic.com)
- **Contact Info:** Crossroads Theatre Company, 5 Elm Row, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901  
  Phone: 732-545-8100 | Email: infocrossroadstheatrecompany.org

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a night of exceptional music and cultural celebration. Purchase your tickets now and be part of an event that bridges understanding between people of all cultural backgrounds.

Somi Kakoma

Actor, Vocalist

Events

Past events

Sep 28, 2024

Somi · Monterey Jazz Festival

7 - 8 Jun, 2024

SOMI: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba · Crossroads Theatre Company

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