Somi Kakoma

Crossroads Theatre Company

### 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.