PJ Powers shoots music video with Radio & Weasel, visits charity
Radio and Weasel with PJ Powers.
What you need to know:
One of her career highlights was using her music to preach against apartheid in South Africa which must have motivated Nelson Mandela to request her to perform her popular song World in Union at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. This was alongside the South African famous traditional folk group Ladysmith Black Mambazo who have a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album under their belt.
As a boy, James Kaliisa, excitedly watched PJ Powers’ music videos and given their groovy nature and choreography, he sang and danced along. He never thought he would ever meet the South African music star.
“She is one of those big legends in African Music. It also unbelievable that she is so down to earth,” he tells me during a chat. For much of this week, Kaliisa has been rubbing shoulders with Powers, reeling in the superstar moment.
“Home To Africa. This is History in the making, with the Legendary PJ Powers and Radio & Weasel on the same beat. Just imagine the outcome- #Legendary,” the dynamic duo of Radio & Weasel posted on their Facebook page mid this week.
Home to Africa celebrates Africa through a rich African sound, with a dominatingly Kwaito fusions that will surely getting you singing and dancing in your favourite bar, nightclub or at home.
“I am going home to Africa, to feel the love in Africa,” goes the opening line of the song. The music video is directed by Nate Thomas from Uprooted Media. The video was shot at Sezibwa Falls, along the Kampala-Jinja road and in Namuwongo, a Kampala suburb. Singers PJ Powers, Radio & Weasel wrote their bits.
Powers is one of African renowned music names thanks to big songs off her 15 albums. Some of her popular songs include Jabulani, There is an answer, World in Union and Mango Groove.
The music collaboration is one of the reasons she is in the country, which was facilitated by Content Connect Africa (CAA) which handles her digital content in form of Caller Tunes in Africa. CCA also handles for Radio and Weasel.
According to Kaliisa, CAA’s East African territory manager, they are also doing Public Relations (PR) for the charity where Power will perform. The show is slated for June 30th at Kampala Serena Hotel. The show is organized by Girl Up initiative, young-women led organization working to provide young women and girls with opportunities to succeed and thrive as leaders in their slum communities through holistic education and economic empowerment.
The singer also visited Kyankwanzi, where the organisation does charity work. Born Penelope Jane Dunlop, the singer says she has been listening to a lot of Uganda music and lists Eddy Kenzo as one of those artistes whose music she has been enjoying, adding that she enjoys organic music.
The 56-year-old musician has a career that spans over 40 years. She started out solo but her music star shone more in the 1980s as lead singer with a group called ‘Hotline’.
One of her career highlights was using her music to preach against apartheid in South Africa which must have motivated Nelson Mandela to request her to perform her popular song World in Union at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. This was alongside the South African famous traditional folk group Ladysmith Black Mambazo who have a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album under their belt.
The same song featured in Academy Award nominated film titled Invictus. She is expected to appear on the ‘KFM Dance Party’ on KFM tonight. Powers jetted into Uganda on Monday is expected to leave tomorrow.
