"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.
