885150705384
885150705889

Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba

Somi

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Format: CD

Cat No: 270527

Release Date:  11 March 2022

Label:  Membran Media Gmbh (uk Physical) / Membran Media

Packaging Type:  Digipak

No of Units:  1

Barcode:  885150705384

Genres:  Jazz  Vocal Jazz  

Release Date:  31 March 2023

Label:  Salon Africana / Membran Media

Packaging Type:  Gate Fold Vinyl

No of Units:  2

Barcode:  885150705889

Genres:  Jazz  Vocal Jazz  

  • Description

    Somi is an African American singer, songwriter, playwright and actor. She has released seven albums to date that have earned placings on leading international World Music and Jazz charts. She was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the most recent Grammy awards ceremony, making her the first African woman ever to be recognised in a Jazz category. Her new album, ‘Zenzile - The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba’, is a celebration of the invaluable musical contributions and messages of social justice made by the ‘first lady of African song’ and features Somi’s interpretations of some of Makeba's best known recordings. Released on what would have been the 90th birthday of Miriam Makeba, 'Zenzile...' is a star-studded tribute and features guest appearances from Gregory Porter, Angelique Kidjo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Seun Kuti and more. A duet with Porter entitled 'Love Tastes Like Strawberries' will be released as a single three weeks ahead of the album.

    Description

    Somi Kakoma is a US-based singer, songwriter, playwright and actor of Rwandan and Ugandan descent. Her albums have included guest appearances from the likes of Common, Angelique Kidjo and the late Hugh Masekela, while she earned a Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy nomination in 2021 - the first African woman to be recognised in any Jazz category. Her acclaimed 2022 album, 'Zenzile - The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba', is a celebration of the music and messages of social justice made by the 'first lady of African song' and features interpretations of some of Makeba's best known recordings.
    The initial CD and digital release was met with widespread acclaim by UK press:
    "A superbly played, beautifully executed and exquisitely produced celebration of African-American culture reimagined for the 21st Century *****" JAZZWISE
    "Accompanied by a crack acoustic jazz combo, Somi's voice is supple and seductive, as gutsy as Nina Simone or as smoothly sultry as Sarah Vaughan ****" SONGLINES
    "Between her African roots and American life, Somi is perfectly placed to blend styles. It's a beautiful album ****" ECHOES
    Two singles from the album, 'Love Tastes Like Strawberries' (a duet with Gregory Porter) and 'House Of The Rising Sun', were a A-listed Tracks of the Week at Jazz FM, with the album itself made Album of the Week. Songs from the album were also played on BBC Radio 2 (Jamie Cullum) and Radio 3's 'J to Z', on which she was also interviewed. This feature will be re-run in mid-February ahead of a forthcoming rare live appearance at Ronnie Scott's in London to promote a brand new 2xLP format of the album, with further press and radio activity lined up to coincide.

  • Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. Umhome
      • 2. House Of The Rising Sun
      • 3. Milele (feat Seun Kuti & Thandiswa Mazwai)
      • 4. Hapo Zamani
      • 5. Love Tastes Like Strawberries (feat Gregory Porter)
      • 6. Khuluma (feat Msaki)
      • 7. Pata Pata
      • 8. A Piece Of Ground
      • 9. Kwedini
      • 10. Lakutshon'ilanga
      • 11. Olili
      • 12. Mbombela
      • 13. Jike'lemaweni (feat Angelique Kidjo)
      • 14. Nonqonqo (feat Ladysmith Black Mambazo)
      • 15. Malaika
      • 16. Ring Bell, Ring Bell
      • 17. Mabhongo (feat Nduduzo Makhathini)

    Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. Umhome
      • 2. House Of The Rising Sun
      • 3. Milele feat. Seun Kuti & Thandiswa Mazwai
      • 4. Hapo Zamani

      Side 2

      • 1. Love Tastes Like Strawberries feat. Gregory Porter
      • 2. Khuluma feat. Msaki
      • 3. Pata Pata
      • 4. A Piece Of Ground

      Disc 2

      Side 1

      • 1. Kwedini
      • 2. Lakutshon'ilanga
      • 3. Olili
      • 4. Mbombela
      • 5. Jike'lemaweni feat. Angelique Kidjo

      Side 2

      • 1. Nonqonqo feat. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
      • 2. Malaika
      • 3. Ring Bell, Ring Bell
      • 4. Mabhongo feat. Nduduzo Makhathini