Today’s industries have made significant strides in addressing the issue of inclusivity and representation. In particular, the music scene welcomed people from all walks of life, no longer serving as the playground of only those who were born to privilege and grew up well-connected. Throughout the years, powerhouses have risen through the ranks, breaking down barriers and facing gender norms head-on. Previously relegated to traditional roles, women now dominate the charts and prove that every space is theirs for the taking. Somalia, a rising R&B singer and songwriter, is among the plethora of go-getters vying for a coveted spot at the summit of the highly competitive music industry. From the get-go, she has managed to stand out not only for her distinctive artistry but also for the way she continues to inspire aspiring female vocalists through her story.
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Somalia is a natural-born performer whose journey as a musician started when she was ten years old. In grade school, she graced numerous stages, from musical theaters to talent competitions and at a young age, this artist demonstrated the potential to take the center stage one day. Her initial interest in the craft eventually evolved into a deeply rooted love for the performing arts, a passion that influenced her decision to pursue a Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and travel to London in the hopes of understanding the nitty-gritty of music and songwriting at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Today, the phenomenal singer behind the song “Light Blue” distinguishes herself among a sea of talented personalities by creating music that infuses sounds from R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop. Heavily inspired by legends like Brandy, Anita Baker, Minnie Riperton, Missy Elliott, and Jill Scott, Somalia transcends genres and does not allow her creativity to be boxed in by conventions. To date, she has written for and collaborated with several others as well as demonstrated her power at events in collaboration with The Atlanta Beltline, The Atlanta Taste of Soul Festival, The National Black Arts Festival, Six Flags Over Georgia, The New Georgia Project, and UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, to name a few.
Currently, Somalia boasts an impressive discography, one that has propelled her to great heights. This future household name, who was recently nominated for a songwriting award at the First Annual National Black Arts Horizon Awards, cemented her reputation in the industry even more solidly by releasing Never Enough Time. The EP spawned the single “Light Blue,” which is a highly meaningful track created during the pandemic and was written and produced by the producer duo DopeNorteria. Its music video, directed by Van Dinh, is now available on YouTube, steadily gaining views and capturing the interest of listeners worldwide.
In carving a path toward the summit of the music industry, Somalia never fails to urge other hopefuls forward. Through her budding success, the unsigned independent artist shows that anyone can translate their visions into reality so long as they cling to their dreams and persevere in the face of challenges. In the coming years, the passion-fueled inspirational icon hopes to leave a legacy and blaze a trail for other women to follow.
Learn more about Somalia by visiting her website and checking out her Spotify, Instagram, and YouTube.
