Somi and Friends
Featuring Dianne Reeves, Thandiswa Mazwai & Msaki

Critically acclaimed for her “African grooves, supple jazz singing and compassionate social consciousness … both serious and seductive” by The New York Times, Somi is known for her wide-ranging vocal technique and her original blend of modern jazz with African music styles. The multi-faceted singer, songwriter, playwright, and actor of Rwandan and Ugandan descent has built a career of transatlantic storytelling to give voice to issues of social justice, transnationalism, womanhood, and global constructions of Blackness.

Somi will be joined by world renowned jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves and award winning South African musician Thandiswa Mazwai.

Having received rave reviews from her recent new musical Dreaming Zenzile, the Grammy-nominated international music sensation continues her celebration of Makeba at the Apollo performing music from her new album Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba. She is joined by a roster of special guests in this festive celebration of the late South African singer-songwriter and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba and her invaluable musical contributions and messages of social justice.

Leadership support for Somi and Friends: The Reimagination of Mariam Makeba is provided by the HBO Fund for Theater. Additional support is provided by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Check out our playlist to preview some of Somi’s music:

Africa Now Festival

Music and entertainment from the continent continues to drive trends across all facets of culture around the globe. The Apollo’s Africa Now! Festival returns for its eighth year to celebrate the best cultural innovators from the African Diaspora.

Half Off for Harlem

This event is included in our Half Off for Harlem promotion. Harlem residents, employees, business owners, and students can save 50% on tickets to select performances throughout the season.

Learn More

For the safety of our audiences and staff, all ticketholders and attendees of this event must provide proof of vaccination in order to enter the theater. In addition, all attendees are required to wear face coverings while inside the theater. Click here for more information about our COVID safety policies.