Somi Named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for August

 By Christopher mbiti 

Nairobi Kenya 10 August 2026

Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, songwriter, playwright and actor Somi has been named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for August 2026, in recognition of her contribution to African music, jazz and storytelling.

The announcement was made on Monday, August 10, 2026, as Somi continues to promote her latest album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, released on August 7 through Salon Africana.

The 13-track album explores themes of self-discovery, identity, belonging and personal growth. It features the single We’re All Falling and includes collaborations with Nigerian highlife duo The Cavemen. and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin.

The album was co-produced by Somi and Benjamin James of The Cavemen. and was recorded in Dakar, Lagos, Paris and New York City, bringing together African rhythms, contemporary jazz and global musical influences.

Born in Illinois to Rwandan and Ugandan parents, Somi has developed a distinctive musical identity that connects African experiences with the wider African diaspora. Her work is strongly rooted in storytelling and has earned her recognition on international stages.

Somi made history as the first African woman to receive a Grammy nomination in a jazz category, earning a nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her live album Holy Room. Her achievement has positioned her as an important figure in the continued growth and visibility of African women in international jazz.

Spotify's EQUAL Africa programme highlights women artists who are influencing the future of African music by providing greater visibility and connecting their work with audiences across Africa and internationally.

Spotify Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said Somi's career reflects the values of the EQUAL programme.

“Somi's artistry is a powerful testament to the rich, transcendent legacy of African jazz and storytelling,” Okumu said, describing her as a barrier-breaking artist who continues to create space for African women on international stages.

For Somi, the recognition also represents the importance of women having a stronger voice in the music industry.

She said being a woman who leads bands, builds a label and maintains her artistic identity often means working in spaces that were not designed with women in mind.

“EQUAL matters to me because it insists that women's voices don't just belong here; they shape what this industry becomes,” Somi said.

Beyond music, Somi is also a playwright and actor who has worked on Broadway, another aspect of her career that may surprise some of her fans.

Her musical influences span generations and regions, including legendary African and diaspora artists such as Miriam Makeba, Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide, Sade, Hugh Masekela, Khadja Nin, Cesaria Evora and Letta Mbulu.

Somi describes her own sound as story-based songs framed by modern jazz, Pan-African grooves and soulful intimacy.

She says music continues to inspire her because of the connection and joy it creates, as well as the opportunity to tell and uplift stories through her work.

As she takes her place as Spotify's EQUAL Africa Artist for August, Somi hopes her journey will inspire emerging artists, particularly women from the African continent, to pursue their creative ambitions.

She encouraged aspiring musicians to listen to their hearts, embrace their identities and remain honest in their music, saying audiences ultimately connect deeply with authenticity.

Her latest recognition further cements Somi's position as a leading voice in contemporary African jazz and highlights the growing influence of African women on the global music stage.

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