Somi has been making waves with her Afrojazz-soul music that incorporates an urban kick. An accomplished musician, she has worked with the likes of Roy Hargrove, Cassandra Wilson, Amel Larrieux, Tsidii Le Loka, and Lionel Louke, to name a few. Hugh Masakhela has praised her music, and BET and CNN International have stood up to take notice. Her Ugandan/Rwandese heritage has had a strong influence in her music as is evidenced in her latest album, Red Soil in My Eyes, which marries jazz and fusion-soul with African folk music, punctuated by an edgy urban sound. The track ‘Ingele’ highlights her powerful, yet soothing voice, which has a wonderful mellow tone to it. The track ‘Circles’ reminds me of Sting’s style with its Euro-groove feel. For a more African rhythm and tone, listen to ‘African Lady’. It incites you to get up and dance with its festive sounds and somewhat calypso/zouk tones. Overall, the album offers great sounds for a variety of tastes and offers the opportunity for a great introduction to Afrojazz.

To learn more about Somi, visit her website at or her myspace page.  Watch her perform her song, Ingele below.