Multitalented artist PJ Morton has taken listeners on a musical journey from Cape Town to Cairo with his latest album, now available via Morton Records/EMPIRE.
The project, likened to Paul Simon’s Graceland, sees the 5x GRAMMY-winner fully creating his new LP during a 30-day trek across Africa.
Without any pre-written music, lyrics, or preconceived notions, Morton set foot on the African continent last fall with a bold dream: to make a record in a month while immersing himself in diverse cultures, stories, and communities.
His travels took him through Cape Town and Johannesburg to Lagos, Accra, Cairo, and back to South Africa—many of these places for the first time. Reflecting on his journey, Morton 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 – I ended up recording all my vocals before I left too. It really was an experiment in trusting my instincts.”
Collaborating with artists such as Fireboy DML, Mádé Kuti, Asa, Ndabo Zulu, and the Soweto Spiritual Singers, along with producers like P.Priime and The Cavemen., and his live band and local musicians, Cape Town to Cairo showcases Morton’s ability to apply music as a universal language. Smoke & Mirrors, recorded a day after Fela Kuti’s birthday celebrations, connects New Orleans to Lagos, while Please Be Good and Simunye (We Are One) featuring Soweto Spiritual Singers highlight indigenous sounds and a sense of collective pride.
Songs emerged organically, whether instantly or through multi-country development, as seen with All The Dreamers featuring Asa and Ndabo Zulu. Gratitude reigns supreme in Thank You, while Who You Are featuring Mádé Kuti reflects on the personal and ancestral heritage of the duo. Count On Me, with Fireboy DML, delivers an uplifting message about friendship and unity.
Following the album release, PJ Morton and his band will embark on an extensive worldwide Cape Town to Cairo Tour. After a headline performance at Roots Picnic, Morton’s North American leg will stretch from summer through fall, including notable venues like NYC’s Beacon.
Theatre, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, and LA’s The Wiltern, alongside his Las Vegas residency and additional shows with Maroon 5.
Listen to Cape Town To Cairo here:
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