Music provides comfort when the world is burning up. We Have a Dream joins the many projects and records generated from this idea, devoted to human rights. It presents new arrangements of great pop, rock, soul and jazz songs. Singer Tutu Puoane sings with a raised fist, an indictment – a call for justice. The production has a universal message, more relevant today than ever. A tribute to human rights, and to its defenders.
On Saturday 4 May 2024, a symphonic version of 'We Have a Dream' will take centre stage during the concert with Antwerp Symphony Orchestra at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp. Antwerp Symphony and BJO open the evening with 'Dangerous Liaison', the first work by jazz trumpeter Bert Joris for symphony orchestra and big band.
Conductor: Jochen Neuffer
Human rights and music somehow share a mutual attraction. Songs protesting slavery and war and pleading for equality are interwoven with the history of music of past centuries. Blues, reggae, folk, rock, hip-hop and jazz are beloved genres for songs about injustice, and even Beethoven was protesting against the war with his Ode to Joy.
Frank Vaganée and Tutu Puoane searched through their record collections and selected their personal favourites from the rich tradition of the protest song. From Stevie Wonder to Marvin Gaye, from Nina Simone to Sting, from Rod Stewart to Donny Hathaway, each and every one is a powerful song about injustice, oppression or inequality. Their universal message of hope is relevant today, more than ever.
The songs were arranged for jazz orchestra by arrangers from Brussels Jazz Orchestra as well as others (Bert Joris, Michell Herr, Gyuri Spies, Lode Mertens and Alan Ferber). The result is an exciting, daring and universally accessible mix of sounds and styles, in which Tutu’s great voice is supported and surrounded by the unique sound of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra.
As a musician/artist, you sometimes wish that you can sing or write that one song that will wipe out racism, poverty, war and all injustices in the world. Sadly, songs can only shine a light on these matters but not necessarily change anything. We, musicians/artists, keep trying either way!
- Tutu Puoane
The album We Have A Dream was released in February 2018 at SoulFactory Records.
In coproduction with deSingel (Antwerp) and in partnership with Amnesty International.
Singer Tutu Puoane is from Antwerp but has South African roots. In 2001 Puoane graduated from the University of Cape Town and moved to Europe. After studying in The Hague she now lives and works in Antwerp (B). She is a fixture in the jazz landscape and has worked with many of the big names in the Belgian and international jazz scene. She has 7 albums to her name, and at least as many original productions, which often blend European, American and South Africa traditions. She has previously worked with Brussels Jazz Orchestra for Writing Billie, New York City of Jazz and the album Mama Africa (2011), which was critically acclaimed and won a South African Music Award.
