PJ Morton is a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician. Somehow, music’s most prestigious honor still doesn’t quite exemplify how immensely talented he is. Or this could just be a gross artistic simplification on my end.
From PJ Morton’s work as part of Maroon 5 to his impressive collaborations and knack for reimagining other musicians’ staple pieces, I was clouded in recognizing him as a stand-alone force. However, on August 3, during PJ Morton’s Cape Town To Cairo Tour stop at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, my skewed reality was rocked, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
For full disclosure, I am no stranger to PJ Morton’s showmanship. In 2019, I was delighted to witness the Dove Award winner’s debut at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. However, so much has changed since then, including PJ Morton’s artistry. Frankly, the show was good, but it didn’t hold a candle to Cape Town To Cairo Tour. Named after his latest full-length project, this global performance run has a higher purpose. PJ Morton’s Cape Town To Cairo Tour is a diasporic jam session discreetly guiding attendees back to deep spiritual worship.
There’s no denying PJ Morton’s church roots. However, for those who don’t dabble in praise music, he is sure to offer it up on a platter sonically. Whether it’s him covering “Let Go” by DeWayne Woods (a song he wrote) or his sermon-like speeches between tracks, you will leave the show with a prophetic word. As for the Cape Town To Cairo Tour’s message, it is reunification with the continent and its melting pot of culture. When PJ set out to craft the album, he carefully combed through the rich sounds of Africa. But as PJ stepped back into that mindset for the night’s set, another mission became abundantly clear–the humanization of all. Opening with “Smoke And Mirrors,” PJ Morton, alongside the Afro Orleans band, pulled others into the fight for equality.
As demonstrated in his songwriting style, the Cape Town To Cairo Tour’s stage decor is minimalistic: themed banners, simple lighting treatments, and matching onstage outfits. The show’s true star is its sound because, as you’ll quickly learn, there is beauty in simplicity despite humans’ fixation on making everything difficult. An intentional arrangement of bass, horns, and keyboard sections paired with warm background vocals knocked down concertgoers’ guards. Before you knew it, you were two-stepping and soul-clapping with your neighbor. Heck, you even served on PJ Morton’s mass choir at one point in the night. Yes, the show is unapologetically Black. However, all are welcome. The only requirement is to come as you are fiercely ready to love everyone and everything, PJ Morton. He was sure to make room for a piano solo, a medley of his biggest hits, including “Say So” and, of course, the musical glory of his Cape Town To Cairo album.
I will spare you any nitpicking; the Cape Town To Cairo Tour has no area that needs improvement. The only issue I had with the show was that it ended. Comparison is the theft of joy. Still, it has become grueling not to crown PJ Morton as the Steve Wonder of this generation. Usually, I wouldn’t put my neck out there with such a daring comparison. All that said, I stand behind this one as PJ Morton’s Cape Town To Cairo Tour is a diasporic jam session with a higher purpose. Although romantic love songs are PJ Morton’s bread and butter, communion crackers and grape juice will remain the secret items on his secret live music menu. PJ Morton and Afro Orleans’ style of worship doesn’t have sonic bounds or venue restrictions, with ticket holders filling the role of parishioners.
Do you want more of PJ Morton? Connect with him on your favorite social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
PJ Morton’s latest project, Cape Town To Cairo, is available for purchase and streaming on your favorite music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
PJ Morton’s Cape Town To Cairo Tour Setlist:
- “Smoke And Mirrors”
- “Good Morning”
- “Who You Are”
- “Please Be Good”
- “Sticking To My Guns”
- “Please Don’t Walk Away”
- “Ready”
- “My Peace”
- “Be Like Water”
- “Count On Me”
- “Built For Love”
- “Let Go” (DeWayne Woods cover)
- “Watch The Sun”
- “First Began”
- “Go Thru Your Phone”
- “Say So”
- “The Better Benediction”
- “Alright”
- “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
Encore:
- “I Found You”
- “How Deep Is Your Love?” (Bee Gees cover)
