SOMI

SOPAC welcomes the Mainstage debut of Grammy-nominated, multi-lingual vocalist, composer, actor, and playwright SOMI. Her virtuosity, crystalline lyricism, and abiding song interpretation prompt frequent collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists, but her expanding presence as a leader continues to receive peer recognition and critical praise. Experience SOMI’s depth and the layers of her artistry live at SOPAC!

SOMI

“A virtuosic performer in full command of her instrument and powers”
– The New York Times

 

“SOMI shows herself to be an ambitious artist…[and] a tough act to follow”
– NPR

Vocalist, composer, actor, and playwright Somi Kakoma (SOMI) is the daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda. Her fifth studio album, Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba, serves as a companion project to the critically acclaimed original musical Dreaming Zenzile that SOMI wrote, starring in the Off-Broadway production, as a tribute to the great South African singer and activist. Her 2020 release Holy Room, featuring the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, earned her a 2021 Grammy® nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album and made her the first African woman ever nominated in any of the Grammy® jazz categories.

SOMI is 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. She is also a Soros Equality Fellow, a United States Artist Fellow, a TED Senior Fellow, a Sundance Theatre Fellow, and the founder of Salon Africana – a boutique cultural agency and record label. Recently, she made her Broadway debut in the title role of the critically acclaimed new play “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” by Joceyln Bioh.

SOMI holds degrees in Cultural Anthropology and African Studies from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Master’s degree in Performance Studies from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU; she’s currently pursuing her PhD at Harvard University’s Department of Music. In her heart of hearts, she is an East African Midwestern girl who loves family, poetry, and freedom.

SOPAC Member Benefits

Member Discounts: Members at the Advocate Level or higher ($65+) will receive a discounted ticket price.

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow.org.