Rwanda: Somi releases new album What Does It Take to Bloom?

Grammy-nominated vocalist and songwriter Somi has released her latest album, What Does It Take to Bloom? , through her independent label, Salon Africana.

The 13-track album is her first collection of original songs since her work as a playwright and Broadway performer. Co-produced by Somi and Benjamin James of Nigerian highlife duo The Cavemen, the project was written and recorded in Dakar, Lagos, Paris and New York City.

The album explores themes of identity, belonging, loss, uncertainty and personal change, with Somi drawing on jazz, soul and African musical influences.

Somi, who was born in the United States and is of Rwandan and Ugandan descent, said the album was shaped by her personal experiences and movement between different places.