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"Scarification Chant and Katutoku Corinne" is a song featured in the 1985 film The Color Purple, based on the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The song is sung by Letta Mbulu, a South African singer who was discovered by Quincy Jones, the composer and producer of the film's soundtrack.

Background[]

The song is a traditional African chant that celebrates the beauty and power of women. It is also a tribute to Katutoku Corinne, a Ghanaian activist and educator who fought for women's rights in Africa. The song was written and conducted by Caiphus Semenya, a South African musician and composer who collaborated with Jones on several projects. Semenya used various instruments and vocal techniques to create a rich and diverse sound that blends African, Caribbean, and American influences. The song features percussion, drums, horns, keyboards, strings, and vocals.

The song appears in the film as part of the opening credits sequence, which depicts the life of Celie Harris Johnson, one of the main characters of the story. Celie is a poor black woman who suffers abuse from her husband Albert and his family. She finds solace in her friendship with Shug Avery, a glamorous singer who teaches her how to express herself through music. The song reflects Celie's journey from oppression to empowerment as she learns to love herself and others.


v - e - d
The Color Purple transparent logo
Media
The Color Purple (soundtrack/video) • The Color Purple (2023) (soundtrack/video)
Books: The Color Purple
Characters
Celie Harris JohnsonNettie HarrisShug AveryMiss MillieSofiaAlbert JohnsonHarpo JohnsonMary AgnesMamaOl' Mister JohnsonSamuel AveryFirst LadyAlphonso HarrisHenry BroadnaxGrady
Locations
GeorgiaAfricaMemphisHarpo's Juke JointCelie's Fancy PantsMister's HouseElmira Movie TheaterGeneral StoreDeadwood BeachShug's HouseTennessee
Songs
1985 film: MakidadaJunk Bucket BluesThe Dirty DozensMiss Celie's Blues (Sister)Don't Make Me No Never Mind (Slow Drag)Heaven Belongs to YouOld Ship of ZionMaybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'Hot LipsScarification Chant and Katutoku CorinneBody and Soul
2023 film: Huckleberry PieMysterious WaysShe Be MineKeep It Movin'Lily of the FieldWorkin'Too Beautiful for WordsH--- No!Arkansas BluesShug AverySing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing)Shake That ThingDear God - ShugProve It On Me Blues(It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes AlongPush Da ButtonWhat About Love?AgooHeaven Help This Heart Of MineMy Faith Looks Up To TheeMiss Celie's Pants(What Did I Do To Be So) Black And BlueI'm HereThe Color PurpleSuperpower (I)
Music From and Inspired By: Risk It AllNo Love LostLifelineFinallyWhen I Can't Do BetterThere Will Come a DayAny WorseYou See MeAll I Need100EternityNo TimeGirls
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