Kigali jazz lovers were treated to a live performance by New York based jazz vocalist and songwriter in an exclusive solo concert at Kigali Marriott Hotel, on Tuesday night.

Prior to her show, Somi told The New Times that her main concern was to fully connect and engage with her fans in the country. And true to her word, when the singer took to the stage she did not disappoint the enthusiastic audience, which included the First Lady Jeannette Kagame.

At exactly 9pm, Somi emerged on stage amidst loud cheers. Dressed in a long black dress with matching beautiful yellow jewelry, she was joined by her full four-piece band to deliver a set of seven tracks nonstop as her fans cheered on.

The singer sent fans into a frenzy with her energetic and suave performance of great tunes such as Two dollar day, a song she wrote in 2012, while living in Nigeria, inspired by the devastation of the Nigerian people during the protest of the removal of a petrol subsidy by the government, as well Ginger me slowly.

Some of the other songs she performed included Petite Afrique that talks about the dignity of immigrant people, Still your girl and Brown round things, among others. The crowd could not help but dance to the soothing tunes being played by the versatile jazz music star.

The only noticeable glitch was when the electrifying show was disrupted by a power cut for thirty minutes, but the singer utilized the opportunity to mingle and connect with her fans.

It was the second time Somi was performing in the country, the first being in 2014 at Shokola. She promised to make more trips back home to engage with her fans and establish her musical presence in the country.

After two hours of thrilling tunes, the star and her band thanked the crowd for attending the show that ended at about 11pm, leaving everyone seemingly satisfied with Somi’s soothing performance.

Somi has released dozens of songs in her career. Her music, voice and Africanism have been celebrated by various publications like Vogue Magazine, Jazz Times Magazine, The Boston Globe and The Huffington, among others.

The 37-year-old singer has worked with renowned names like Angelique Kidjo, Common, Ambrose Akinmusire, Hugh Masekela, Mos Def, Baaba Maal, John Legend, Billy Childs, Paul Simon, Danilo Perez, Idan Raichel, Jennifer Hudson, and many more.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw