Album Review: Cape Town to Cairo by PJ Morton
PJ Morton builds a bridge between New Orleans and Africa with his project 'Cape Town to Cairo,' seamlessly melding the vibrant spirit of his hometown with the rich heritage of the African continent.
PJ Morton has made numerous global journeys to share his musical gifts with audiences everywhere. One of the hard-working artists in R&B recently made way for his artistic voyage, which led him to Africa, where he found fresh inspiration. During a 30-day adventure through Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Egypt, PJ poured his creativity into new music. This culminated in his album, Cape Town to Cairo, showcasing the rich soundscapes he encountered in the motherland.
Through this initiative, he takes a day-by-day approach to explore and unite these two culturally significant regions. The journey celebrates the essence of both places, intertwining their unique sounds and histories in a harmonious blend. With the R&B-meets-Afrobeats kick-off “Please Be Good,” Morton sings about working hard and the toll it takes, expressing a strong wish to go somewhere peaceful and be free from control.
PJ Morton sets the tone with “Smoke and Mirrors” and dissects deceptive relationships and manipulation dynamics with the high-energy Afrobeat. The song delineates the emotional turmoil stemming from betrayal, highlighting the protagonist’s journey from disillusionment to self-empowerment. Morton employs the metaphor of “smoke and mirrors” to symbolize the façade and deceit used to obscure the truth, accentuated by the candid admission of shared humanity and vulnerability—“you bleed the same blood I bleed.”
PJ brought some heavy hitters from Mádé Kuti (on the horn-heavy “Who You Are”), Așa takes the ride with Ndabo Zulu (with the positive-ready “All the Dreamers”), and Fireboy DML (“Count On Me”) which their song is typical for what it is, but it’s not all bad. “Thank You” is not just an individual thank-you note but a universal anthem of gratitude reflective of Morton’s soulful musical roots and his ability to transform personal sentiment into collective resonance. With an intimate narrative, Morton delineates themes of perseverance, disillusionment, and subsequent renewal in the piano-led ballad “I Found You,” presenting himself crossing a protracted quest for love that initially seems elusive.
“Home Again” brings the album together (before the Soweto Spiritual Singers-assisted “Simunye (We Are One)” closes out the effort) with a poignant and evocative composition that delves into nostalgia, friendship, and reassurance in familiar bonds and places. The song’s narrative arc suggests a physical and emotional journey where revisiting one’s origins provides clarity and strength, epitomizing the idea that certain foundations in life remain steadfast regardless of time. The structure employs repetition effectively to emphasize the cyclical nature of memories and emotions associated with returning “home.”
Solid (★★★½☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Thank You,” “I Found You,” “Home Again”