Behind the Artis: Peter Soumuah
Peter Somuah, the Ghana-born, Rotterdam-based trumpeter, brings a unique and multi-layered sound to De Doelen. His music is rooted in his childhood in Accra and shaped by influences from highlife, Afrobeat, and gospel, combined with jazz traditions from greats like Miles Davis and Roy Hargrove. With his warm, melancholic trumpet tone and strong sense of groove, he moves effortlessly between jazz, funk, and soul.
With his new album Walking Distance, Peter Somuah presents a musical journey at de Doelen where cultures, styles, and everyday life converge. By blending post-bop jazz with Arabic melodies, blues, funk, and Ghanaian rhythms, he creates a dynamic and distinctive sound. As the winner of the Edison Jazz Award and with performances at venues such as North Sea Jazz, Somuah invites visitors to De Doelen for an inspiring live experience full of energy, connection, and musical depth.
"People can expect good vibes, great music, and a warm atmosphere. It’s all about sharing the experience of the album Walking Distance together. Bring your friends, family, and loved ones and enjoy a wonderful evening together".
Peter Somuah will perform at the Eduard Flipse Hall on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Don’t want to miss this concert?
Could you introduce yourself and tell us what you play?
I was born in Accra, Ghana. I currently live in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I’m a musician and composer, and I play the trumpet.
How would you describe your own sound?
Growing up, I was exposed to many different musical influences. Since I started playing the trumpet, I’ve explored many styles, and my sense of rhythm has clearly been shaped by my upbringing in West African music. All of these experiences have shaped my sound. My sound is very broad and draws on influences from all kinds of music and diverse genres. By combining these elements, I bring everything together to create my own path and identity.
How and when did you start playing the trumpet? And has your sound changed over the years?
I started playing the trumpet when I was 14 years old. I heard the sound of the trumpet in my neighborhood in Accra and fell in love with it right away. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to learn to play it. Over the years, my sound has evolved significantly. I grew up listening to Highlife, gospel, and Afrobeat, and later discovered jazz. Now I combine all these influences in my own music and trumpet playing.
Your new album Walking Distance has just been released. Can you tell us more about it?
My new album, Walking Distance, was released on March 13, 2026, via the record label ACT Music. The album brings together many different influences, such as traditional jazz, post-bop, Arabic music, funk, blues, soul, and groove. It’s about uniting different musical styles into a single cohesive whole. At the same time, it also connects to everyday life. The track titles, such as 300 Meters, Junction, Intersection, and Crossroad, all refer to movement, direction, and everyday experiences. The album Walking Distance is a musical journey that connects cultures, genres, and life.
Is there a song that’s particularly personal to you and why?
I find all the tracks special because each one has its own identity, vibe, and structure. It’s hard to pick just one favorite. If I had to choose, 300 Meters is still very special to me. After we recorded the album, we were on tour in Ghana and were riding in a van to a location using a GPS. The GPS eventually said, “You will reach your destination in 300 meters.” That moment and that phrase perfectly matched the music we had made. It felt as if the music literally came to life. The groove, melody, and energy really come together in that track.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw a lot of inspiration from great trumpeters like Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie. They are masters of their instrument. My background also plays a major role. The hustle and bustle of Accra and the tranquility of Rotterdam form a stark contrast that inspires me. Inspiration can strike at any momen, for example, when I’m at home, cooking, biking, or just waking up. When a melody comes to me, I record it right away.
What are you trying to achieve with your music?
I want to touch people, heal them, and make them feel good. I want people to connect with the music, enjoy it, and take something positive from it.
You’ve performed at de Doelen before. What’s it like for you to be on stage at De Doelen?
I really enjoy performing at de Doelen. The acoustics are excellent, and the atmosphere is calm, welcoming, and relaxed. When you feel comfortable in a space, it has an immediate positive effect on the music, and that’s exactly what De Doelen offers.
What can people expect from your show on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at de Doelen?
People can expect good vibes, great music, a warm atmosphere, and just a fun time. It’s all about experiencing the album Walking Distance together. Bring your friends, family, and loved ones, and let’s make it a fantastic evening together. See you there!
