Somi – Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba (Salon Africana, 2022)
Acclaimced vocalist and songwriter Somi celebrates the work of the iconic South African artist Miriam Makeba and her messages of social justice. Somi selected some of Makeba’s best known songs—both Makeba’s own compositions and covers.
Gisted with a captivating, beautiful voice, Somi masterfully updates the songs with a brilliant combination of Afrobeat, South African roots, Afrojazz, funk, and additional Pan-African influences.
Somie released Zenzile on her own label and invited an ipressive cast of high profile African and American musicans, including several zrtosts from South Africa: male vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo; singer-songwriter Msaki; vocalist and activist Thandiswa Mazwai; and jazz pianist-composer Nduduzo Makhathini join Somi for the tribute. Additionally, Somi invited Afropop star Angelique Kidjo, Nigerian Afrobeat icon Seun Kuti, and American jazz singer Gregory Porter.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.