The Soundtrack to Unwind Before the New Year
curated by Somi Nwandu
For Somi, music is more than background sound; it’s a creative compass. Her playlist mirrors her approach to style, layered, intentional, and always evolving. From quiet moments of reflection to bold rhythms that fuel her work, each track offers a glimpse into how she builds stories through fashion and other creative pursuits.
Press play, explore her world, and discover how sound and style move together in her world of creativity.
Continue reading the whole interview.
Your name and the work you do?
My name is Somi Nwandu. I’m a multidisciplinary creative working across curation, creative production, and cultural strategy — at the intersection of art, fashion, and global storytelling. I’m currently based in Saudi Arabia, working within the arts and culture sector. My work spans large-scale exhibitions, new media art, and cultural placemaking across Africa and the Middle East, always rooted in identity, movement, and cultural narrative. I’m also a style curator, working with brands, brides, and notable figures, including Chimamanda Adichie, to translate culture into wearable narrative.
Tell us about something in your life you’re most proud of
I’m most proud of becoming someone who trusts her inner voice. That trust has taken me across the world, into solo journeys, and into rooms I once only imagined — professionally carving out a path that didn’t exist, bridging continents, cultures, and creative industries. Personally, I’m proud of overcoming mental battles that were designed to take me down — and still choosing softness, faith, and forward motion. There’s a quiet audacity in trusting God and yourself, and I’m truly proud of that. Everything meaningful in my life has come from that decision.
How do you find a sense of calm in the midst of chaos?
I return to stillness. Solitude and silence. Prayer, music, long walks, and moments of intentional quiet — with the occasional vent sessions to close friends, that helps too. I’ve learned that calm isn’t the absence of chaos; it’s the ability to remain anchored while everything else is moving. I also overdose on affirmations and gratitude; that grounding changes everything.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Don’t stress, girl. You actually get finer, wiser, richer, and sweeter with age — don’t let them lie to you. You’re going farther than you could even imagine right now. Trust yourself, trust God, and keep going. There’s so much more ahead than you think.
But please…. enjoy being baby girl. Don’t rush.
If you had 10 minutes to pack to your dream destination… where are you going and what are you packing?
I’m an efficient, fast packer - pressure packing has become a thing with lots of last minute travels. I’m heading straight to Japan, making stops from the city to the countryside… (or perhaps back to the stunning Shebara Resort on the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia)
In my bag:
The Andrea Iyamah Naru One-Piece Swimsuit in Ivory - I’ve dreamed of it since the first time I saw it. Bold, confident, timeless, and effortlessly elegant.
The Sina Set in Magenta (tunic and pants). Love the bold flow and bounce to it.
The Andrea Iyamah Vira Pants in Coffee - and honestly, black too, because staples matter
A fine selection of African designers
More shoes than I can count (heels, specifically)
My drone, lighting, phone, and all the necessary gadgets
Skincare, makeup, and finally… my journal
That’s all I need. The rest is presence.
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Enjoy the The Holiday playlist by Somi Nwandu
Treasure Sounds Vol 21. Somi Nwandy x Andrea Iyamah Treasure Sounds
