Somi's new album celebrates the soul-stirring music of South African singer Miriam Makeba

somi
Somi's new album is "Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba.” (Courtesy of Somi)

The soul-stirring music of South African singer Miriam Makeba earned her affectionate nicknames such as “Mama Africa” and “the First Lady of Africa.” Makeba’s music was inextricably linked to her human rights activism, which made waves worldwide. Her immortal voice is celebrated in a new album by the artist Somi with “Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba.” This Grammy-nominated singer and musician recently relocated to Atlanta, and she joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom to talk about her tribute album.

Interview highlights:

The extraordinary and under-recognized life of Miriam Makeba: