Mama Africa
title • Mama Africa
year • 2010
genre • jazz / bigband
country • Belgium
cd • S 626012.
tracklisting:
• The House In Midrand / Jikele' Maweni
• What More Can Be Right
• When I've Passed On
• West Wind
• Mountain Shade
• Thanayi
• Mayibuye
• Africa Is Where My Heart Lies
• Umqokozo
Because the Brussels Jazz Orchestra worked before with South African vocalist Tutu Puoane on various projects, they invited her to compose a program of songs from her homeland. As Miriam Makeba died in this period she decided to choose songs mostly from this great singer’s repertoire of Xhosa and Zulu songs.
‘Mama Africa’ is the first album where Tutu Puoane is the lead vocalist of a big band. Seven arrangers were picked, mostly musicians from the BJO. They turned the music into sparkling renditions. The combination of her sublime voice, the quality of the BJO’s musicians and the beautiful arrangements turn this album into a worthy tribute to South African music and culture and to Miriam Makeba.
'Working with the BJO has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my music career. The songs on this album have been transformed from simple South African songs to intricate and interesting pieces of music. That's the beauty and the mystery of jazz music.' (Tutu Puoane)
Tutu Puoane