The renowned musician PJ Morton has released an exciting new album titled “Cairo To Lagos,” featuring a collection of Nigerian music stars. Available now via Morton Records/EMPIRE, the project was entirely created from scratch during a 30-day journey across Africa.
The 5-time GRAMMY-winner, PJ Morton, embarked on this adventure with no pre-written music or lyrics, aiming to immerse himself in diverse cultures, stories, and communities.
PJ Morton traveled to various African cities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos, Accra, and Cairo, many of which he visited for the first time. He captured the emotions of his travels by promising not to write anything before arriving in Africa or after leaving.
This spontaneous and instinctive approach led to an album blending R&B, soul, gospel, pop, and jazz with African inspirations. Collaborating with artists like Fireboy DML, Mádé Kuti, Asa, Ndabo Zulu, and Soweto Spiritual Singers, and producers such as P.Priime and The Cavemen, Morton used music as a universal language to connect different cultures.
The album features tracks like “Smoke & Mirrors,” recorded after Fela Kuti’s birthday celebrations, and “Please Be Good” and “Simunye (We Are One),” which highlight native sounds and the pride of belonging to something bigger.
Some songs were developed across multiple countries, like “All The Dreamers” featuring Asa and Ndabo Zulu. Morton expresses gratitude in “Thank You” and reflects on his personal lineage and ancestors taken from Africa in “Who You Are” featuring Mádé Kuti. “Count On Me,” featuring Fireboy DML, delivers an uplifting message about friendship and unity to the world.
