Somi ꟾ Re-Imagining Miriam Makeba

In a loose series, the HKW presents artists who have changed the world. Artists who have been anchored in the collective consciousness of people for generations, setting trends as musicians, but also shaping society as political role models and leading figures. One such artist is undoubtedly the singer and political activist Miriam Makeba.

The HKW's largest and most beautiful event hall is named after her: the Miriam Makeba Auditorium with 1,056 seats, excellent acoustics, and a stage that can accommodate a 100-piece orchestra.


Somi Kakoma, known in the jazz world simply by her first name, was born in Illinois, where her parents had migrated from Rwanda and Uganda. She became interested in the musical connections between Africa and America at an early age. This interest was encouraged by her mentor Hugh Masekela. Somi is now a Grammy-nominated musician, acclaimed Broadway performer, and playwright. In addition to classics by Miriam Makeba, to whom she dedicated the 2022 tribute album Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba, Somi will also present old and new songs from her own repertoire at the HKW.