‘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).
Miriam Makeba is one of the most famous artists from South Africa. In the 50s she broke through as a jazz singer. Besides jazz, Makeba sang pop and Xhosa and Zulu folk music. Makeba's cultural status gave her political clout - she was an active opponent of the apartheid era which yielded her thirty years exile.
Miriam Makeba collaborated with musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Harry Belafonte and Paul Simon. She scored her biggest hit with 'Pata Pata'.
On 10/11/08 Miriam Makeba died at age 76.
The BJO and Tutu have chosen from her South African extensive repertoire. The songs have been reworked by a team of BJO arrangers to yield the unique BJO spirit: exciting and adventurous, with, for the occasion, a trace of Africa.
And, as always, with much passion for the music.
In 2011, the album received a South African Music Award 2 in the category 'Best Traditional Jazz Album' in Johannesbourg.
lieu d'enregistrement : Ghent (B)
- Released : 26/02/2010
- Recorded : 09/2009 ->
- Reference : S62612
- Support : CD
- Label : Saphrane
