The Jazz Session #589: Somi

Vocalist and composer Somi talks about diving into the world of South African vocalist and activist Miriam Makeba for her upcoming album “Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba” due 4th March 2022. The album follows the September 2021 premiere and tour of Somi’s musical theatre production based on the life of Makeba, “Dreaming Zenzile”. Somi talks about tackling the world of Miriam’s music, collaborating with guests from across the African continent, from Angelique Kidjo to Nduduzo Makhathini, and how her own sense of pan-Africanism continues Miriam’s legacy and message of unity.

Show Notes:
Tracklisting:
– House of the Rising Sun
– Hapo Zamani
– Lakutshon’ ILanga
– Milele feat. Seun Kuti & Thandiswa Mazwai
– Pata Pata
-Jike Lemaweni feat. Angelique Kidjo

Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba is available from 4 March 2022

Theme music by The Respect Sextet
Follow The Jazz Session on TwitterInstagram and Facebook
Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel

Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon.
For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Author: Jason Crane