Somi, a Grammy-nominated vocalist and songwriter from East Africa, has debuted a new track titled “Sometimes Love,” featuring The Cavemen. This single is part of her upcoming album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, set for release on August 7 via Salon Africana.
The collaboration with the renowned Nigerian duo The Cavemen results in a soulful love song that captures the vibrant essence of Lagos, where it was recorded.
In discussing the meaning behind the single, Somi expressed, “This song is about keeping an open heart and the possibility of finding love – in all its forms – at any moment in our journey.”
Co-produced alongside Benjamin James from The Cavemen, the album marries contemporary elements with a foundation centered on heritage.
It seamlessly blends global influences with a personal exploration of change and uncertainty, probing into whether we recognize growth as it unfolds or only after transformation has taken place. “Sometimes Love” follows the release of the lead single, “We’re All Falling,” which addresses mortality in a poignant manner.
This piece, created during a period marked by personal loss, contemplates life’s fragility and encourages listeners to embrace healing and presence. For Somi, producing an album is an act that grounds her identity.
Her discography serves as a narrative intersecting migration and memory, linking the cultures of Africa and America with records inspired by Nigeria, Harlem, and the legacy of Miriam Makeba.
In her upcoming album, the focus shifts. Written and recorded across Dakar, Lagos, Paris, and New York City, this time the exploration is not of a geographical place or collective memory.
Instead, it centers on the self. Throughout her years in the global jazz scene, Somi has continually challenged categorization. She blends jazz, soul, highlife, spoken word, and her African roots into her work.
What Does It Take to Bloom? signifies a progression in Somi’s artistic journey, showcasing greater vocal risks and a deeper trust in her instincts.
By choosing not to adhere to traditional artistic boundaries, this defiance alone embodies the essence of blooming. The album ultimately seeks to express the quest for belonging, acknowledging that the path toward completeness is often non-linear and perpetually evolving.
Through her exploration of life’s inevitable challenges and the lived experiences of womanhood, Somi delves into the various dimensions of self-discovery that contribute to her growth.
She aspires for her audience to connect with her music; if not, she invites them to bear witness to her journey of self-discovery.
