Somi live in Indianapolis

Experience Somi live on September 19th

Somi, a contemporary jazz vocalist and songwriter, will be performing at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis on September 19, 2026. Her music is often described as pan-African modern jazz, blending elements of jazz harmony with East African musical traditions and lyrical themes exploring identity, diaspora, and the human experience. Born Somi Kakoma in Illinois to Rwandan and Ugandan parents, she frequently incorporates her heritage into her compositions and performances. She has released several critically acclaimed albums including “The Lagos Music Salon” and “Zangalewa.”

The Jazz Kitchen is a long-standing Indianapolis venue dedicated to presenting live jazz and related musical genres. Originally founded in 1994 by David Baker, a renowned jazz educator and performer at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), it quickly became a central hub for both local and nationally recognized jazz artists. The venue relocated in 2018 to its current location on College Avenue after operating for many years on Massachusetts Avenue. It continues to maintain its commitment to showcasing high-quality jazz while also expanding to include other genres like blues, soul, and world music.