Somi - The Lagos Music Salon (2014)

Few contemporary albums bare as particular a narrative as "The Lagos Music Salon". The new album by the superb chanteuse Somi, finds her breaking new ground with a hybrid style of music that organically integrates the essence of jazz and soul with the musical depth of her African heritage. "It's the first time ever that I put all other pursuits on hold to focus solely on the creative process," says Somi, who moved to Lagos, Nigeria from her New York home with a passionate desire to find a new direction for her vision and voice.

"The Lagos Music Salon" marks Somi's major label debut for OKeh Records and is the follow up to her last studio album, "If the Rains Come First," which debuted at #2 on the Billboard World Chart. The album features a range of original songs that are sublimely melodic and percussively textured. A socially informed and adventurous vocalist, Somi sings with a soulful beauty about her experiences in Lagos. The album covers a broad swath of styles and features guest performances that include a fast-paced groove with Afro-pop sensibilities on the Fela Kuti-inspired "Lady Revisited" with Angélique Kidjo, and a rap-influenced cinematic reflection on Africa s pollution, "When Rivers Cry," featuring Common.

"Superb!" Vogue Magazine

"All elegance and awe…utterly captivating!" - Billboard

Tracklist:

01. First Kiss: Eko Oni Baje
02. Love Juju #1
03. Lady Revisited (feat. Angelique Kidjo)
04. Ankara Sundays
05. Ginger Me Slowly
06. When Rivers Cry (feat. Common)
07. Brown Round Things
08. The Story of Monkey
09. Akobi: First Born S(u)n
10. Two Dollar Day
11. Still Your Girl
12. Four.One.Nine
13. Love Nwantinti (feat. In His Image)
14. Four African Women
15. Hearts & Swag
16. Love Juju #2
17. Last Song
18. Shine Your Eye