The first time I heard singer Somi, it was back in 2007 when her video "Ingele" was in rotation on Centric. I was instantly drawn in by her entrancing vocals and world sound. Since then, she's gone on to release three albums on independent labels, collaborated with the legendary Hugh Masekela, established her own non-profit organization New Africa Live and was even named a TED Global Fellow and an inaugural Association of Performing Arts Presenters Fellow. She also had to cope with the loss of her father, an event which led to her relocating to Lagos, Nigeria for a year and a half. Her time abroad was the inspiration for her latest album, The Lagos Music Salon, due out on the Sony Music imprint, OKeh Records. Earlier this week she premiered the video for the album's first single, "Last Song." The video provides a beautiful, color-splashed look at the city that transitions from a solemn, piano-driven song to a celebratory, Afrobeat-inspired tune. Somi's delicate voice soars as she dances through the streets of Lagos. The Lagos Music Salon features guest spots by Common and Angelique Kidjo and is set for an August 5th release. "Last Song" is currently available on iTunes.
