Five-time GRAMMY-winning soul singer, songwriter, performer, and producer PJ Morton, based in New Orleans, has released a unique album, "Cape Town to Cairo," via Morton Records/EMPIRE. This unprecedented project was created during a 30-day journey across Africa, immersing himself in the continent's diverse soundscapes and cultures. From Cape Town to Cairo, Morton aimed to showcase Africa's musical diversity beyond Afrobeats.
Morton's trip began with no pre-written music or lyrics, capturing the essence of his travels. Reflecting on the experience, he said, "I wanted to capture the emotions I felt while I was on the continent, so I made a promise that I wouldn't write anything before I arrived in Africa, and I wouldn't write anything after I left."
Collaborating with artists like Fireboy DML, Mádé Kuti, Asa, Ndabo Zulu, and the Soweto Spiritual Singers, and producers like P.Priime and The Cavemen., Morton used music as a universal language. On "Count On Me," he and Fireboy DML deliver an uplifting message about friendship and unity.
Morton explains, "We didn't have the luxury of time to police which genres would fit where, and the origins of all this music started in Africa anyway. There's R&B and soul, but also gospel in 'Simunye,' pop in 'Count On Me,' and jazz in 'All The Dreamers.' Cape Town to Cairo is the diaspora in music form, done my way."
He connects New Orleans to Lagos on "Smoke & Mirrors" and showcases native sounds and pride in "Please Be Good" and "Simunye (We Are One)." Whether created spontaneously or developed across countries, Morton expresses gratitude in "Thank You" and reflects on personal and collective ancestry in "Who You Are" feat. Mádé Kuti.
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