Salon Africana

Somi - What Does It Take To Bloom? Somi

£14.99 Pre-Order

CD Album

Condition: Brand New
Release date: Aug 07, 2026
Catalogue number: SA003CD
Barcode: 0885150727751

12 Inch Vinyl Album

Condition: Brand New
Release date: Aug 07, 2026
Catalogue number: SA003LP
Barcode: 0885150727744
Format: CD

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Jazz, Soul, Highlife and spoken reflection co-exist without apology on 13 new songs co-produced with Benjamin James and featuring his group The Cavemen as well as saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. For the Grammy-nominated vocalist/songwriter Somi, each new album is an act of place-making. The catalogue of the Rwandan/Ugandan-American artist reads like a map of migration and memory, with records rooted in Lagos, in Harlem, and in the spirit and political inheritance of Miriam Makeba. 'What Does It Take To Bloom? Is her ninth album overall and her first collection of original songs in six years. Musically, it also represents a new chapter in collaboration. During sessions in Lagos, Somi connected with Benjamin James, whose partnership would become pivotal. As one-half of the Nigerian duo The Cavemen., James brings a contemporary approach to heritage-centred sound. The collaboration proved so seamless that Somi invited him to co-produce the full album, with moods and rhythms ranging from upbeat Highlife-Soul-Fusion ('Aiwah'), via jazzy statements ('Throw Something'), to soulful reflection ('What Does It Take To Bloom?').

Track List:

1. Throw Something
2. Sometimes Love feat. The Cavemen.
3. What Does It Take To Bloom?
4. Mama on Blooming
5. So You Want To Be A Woman feat. Lakecia Benjamin
6. Aiwah
7. Sugar
8. Mama on Tradition
9. Ngayaya
10. Lay It Down
11. Interlude: Skin to Skin
12. We're All Falling
13. Love Could Be Anywhere

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Format: CD

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