Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer and songwriter Somi is bringing her Africa in Bloom series to South Africa, with three intimate performances in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town in support of her latest album, What Does It Take to Bloom?.
The series, which combines live music with conversations and album listening sessions, aims to create spaces for artistic exchange, storytelling and community connection across the African continent.
Following its successful debut in Lagos, Nigeria, on 8 November, the initiative will arrive in South Africa later this month, with Somi making her first-ever performance in Durban and returning to Cape Town after several years.
The South African leg kicks off at The Chairman in Durban on Thursday, 26 November, followed by a performance at Untitled Basement in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 1 December. She will then perform at Youngblood Gallery in Cape Town on Wednesday, 2 December.
An album listening session is also scheduled for 3 December at Mamakashaka in Johannesburg.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the initiative, Somi said she wanted to spend more time connecting with audiences and artists on the continent.
“I’ve spent much of my career building bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. At this point in my life, I’m interested in what it means to spend more time on the continent itself — to listen, to gather, and to hold space for the kinds of conversations and connections that only happen when we’re in close quarters,” she said.
Africa in Bloom takes its name from Somi’s latest album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, released through Salon Africana. The project explores themes of uncertainty, transformation, belonging and the search for a sense of home.
Written and recorded across Dakar, Lagos, Paris and New York City, the album reflects on navigating life’s changes while remaining true to oneself.
“I wrote this body of work while traversing many places and losing many people. This album is a mirror of searching for where and how to take root in spite of that. I pray these songs offer each listener a sense of Home or, at the very least, a witnessing of me coming Home to myself,” Somi said.
The series began in Lagos, a city that holds particular significance in her musical journey. It was there that she first developed the intimate musical gatherings that inspired her acclaimed album The Lagos Music Salon.
The inaugural Africa in Bloom gathering took place at Miliki, a culture-focused members’ club, where audiences experienced an album listening session followed by a conversation moderated by writer Nelson CJ.
Somi was joined by longtime collaborators and producers Cobhams Asuquo, known for his work on The Lagos Music Salon and Zenzile, and Benjamin James of The Cavemen, who contributed to her latest album.
The evening concluded with a live performance featuring the collaborators and an all-star Nigerian ensemble.
A two-time NAACP Image Award winner and recipient of the Doris Duke Artist Award, Somi made history in 2021 when she became the first African woman to receive a Grammy nomination in any of the jazz categories.
Her music blends jazz, soul, African musical traditions and spoken word, with a body of work shaped by cultural identity, migration, memory and the African diaspora.
With Africa in Bloom, the artist is looking to deepen her connection with the continent through music and shared experiences, with additional performances and gatherings in other African cities expected to be announced.
