Jazz act Somi returns to Nairobi

The award-winning artist was raised in Nairobi but left the country more than two decades ago to settle in the US. In an interview with Music In Africa, she contrasted New York to Nairobi, and the latter's place in East Africa.

“Nairobi and New York can’t really be compared because they are both fiercely cosmopolitan but offer their own kind of rhythm and magic," she said. 

"What I love about Nairobi is that its cultural economy is quickly becoming an interesting and distinctly Kenyan thing and it has emerged as a continental hotspot for both East Africans and the international community.”

In 2012, Somi worked with Lebanese-French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf on a music project that sought to highlight the role of women in protest. Even though the project was not given much media coverage, Somi says the experience inspired her to blend African and Arab jazz traditions.

In 2014, she released The Lagos Music Salon, an album inspired by the Nigerian city.

Although she admits to have made no substantial music contribution in either Rwanda or Uganda, the homelands of her parents, she is hopeful. 

"I am looking forward to future collaborations," she said. “I am in contact with artists on the ground from both countries and my management has assembled agents to try and grow my music among the local enthusiasts for jazz."

In January, Somi's 2017 album, Petite Afrique, won Outstanding Jazz Album at the 2018 NAACP Image Awards. The award, which is handed out by the American National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People, honours outstanding people of colour in film, TV, music and literature. 

Concert tickets are 5 500 Kenyan shillings ($55). Mpesa Till number 716994. For more information, call +254732186000.