Singer/songwriter Somi is one very busy lady. She was born in Illinois to parents from Rwanda and Uganda. She released her debut album Eternal Motive in 2002. She recorded her second album Red Soil In My Eyes at the same time she was earning a Masters degree. Red Soil In My Eyes is a soulful celebration of her Rwandese and Ugandan heritage that fantastically speaks of returning Home.

Somi donated 10% of her April album sales to the Rwanda Survivor’s Fund to mark 13 years since the Rwanda genocide and to help women who were infected with HIV/AIDS from the genocide.

It is evident from listening to her smooth sound that Somi is a very grounded individual. She lives life to the fullest and wants people to be infected with the same positive spirit that she has by listening to her music.

We caught up with Somi between shows and learned more about this beautiful African sister.

Jamati: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak to us Somi. You have the privilege of being a child of two cultures -African (Rwanda and Uganda) and American and a citizen of the world. Do you find that you relate more to one culture over the other?

No, I really believe I am both African and American. To deny or privilege one experience over the other is to compromise a part of myself.

Jamati: Can you explain your description of your sound (Holistic New African Jazz)? Was this name because you were being boxed into a music category you did not like?

I call it “holistic” because of the healing that the journey of song has given me on so many levels. I call it “New African” because I’m talking about a very specific social experience as an African in the West with a strong connection to ancestral roots and cultural belonging. While it was never my intention to be a Jazz vocalist, I feel very grounded in the context of Jazz. It is the one genre that sort of allows and encourages me to be myself.

Jamati: You have listed Miriam Makeba, Khadja Nin, and Monique Seko as your idols. Do you recall when it was that you first heard their music and how it made you feel?

The only one of those vocalists that I would call an “idol” of mine would be Miriam Makeba. She is by far one of the grand African divas of the 20th century. I don’t remember the first time I heard her voice since my parents also listened to her, but I’m sure it was like the first time I understood and witness the meaning of springtime.

Khadja Nin and Monique Seka are some of the first “contemporary” African female stars that I saw as a young person. I remember enjoying the mood and sweetness they were able to create with their voices more than anything else in the music.

Jamati: You recently completed your Master’s degree at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Where did you find the time with such a busy life recording and touring?

It was a 12-month program and while it seemed like my schedule more rigorous and intense, I love a good challenge. I was recording and putting together the finishing touches on my album during that time, so the tight schedule helped me to keep more focused. My research also helped me keep perspective on what I wanted my music to express on a social, cultural, and political level.

Jamati: Your voice is so soothing and melodic. Did singing come naturally to you or did you take classes to hone your craft?

I’ve studied music privately throughout since childhood.

Jamati: Red Soil in My Eyes was released to critical acclaim. How has the journey been so far?

My journey has been fantastic as it has enabled me to share my work with audiences from all across the globe. I feel so thankful for the opportunities that have been presented to me and I look forward to sharing more stories with many more people.

Jamati: Do you have a favorite song from the album?No, each song reminds me of a different moment in my life and a different moment of inspiration. I love and sing each of them for different reasons.

Jamati: You’re off to Russia soon for some tour dates. Are there any parts of the world that you have not been yet that you hope to see?

I have never been to Asia and hope to get there some time next year. Going to Siberia this month will be the farthest east I’ve ever been.

Jamati: Other than music what are your other passions? What makes you happy?

Reading good literature, writing in my journal, and enjoying an occasional red velvet cupcake. (smile)

Jamati: What is next for you?

I’ve been working on a multi-media theater piece called “Listening to Roots and Voicing Branches”. I wrote it last year and I’m planning to stage it some time in 2008. It will be a nice change of pace to get my hands in another artistic medium.

Jamati: Any advice for young people with aspirations to be the next Somi?

I guess I would say that you should always listen to your heart and in the words of Deepak Chopra, “Every decision we make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle. Choose the miracle.”

Thank you so much and we look forward for what you have in store for your fans.

You can visit Somi’s website for more information on her music.