Soulful Anthony Hamilton performs at the CTICC

Catch his ‘Back To Love’ tour live in Cape Town

Grammy Award winning R&B soul singer and producer Anthony Hamilton slicks up the stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday, 17 August 2012 at 7.30pm.

An international R&B favourite since 2003, the handsome American singer-songwriter has sold more than 19.6 million albums (between his own album sales and various collaborations with other big name artists), and more recently,  has recently worked with Jill Scott to create the perfect accompaniment to her earthy vocals on the duet, ‘So in Love’. This compatible two-some created magic that set a record of 18 weeks at Number One on Billboard’s Urban Adult Contemporary Chart.

With the taste of this success still sweet, Anthony Hamilton is inducing even more fervour with his fourth studio album, ‘Back To Love’; in particular, his second single, ‘Pray For Me’, has peaked as the most added single at urban adult radio.  His focus for ‘Back to Love’ was to create a broader, more energetic sound, engaging melodies and lyrical imagery without compromising his soul (Pun intended). Aiding him on the ‘Back To Love’ mission was his longtime producer and ‘So in Love’ collaborator Kelvin Wooten, Salaam Remi, Jerry Wonda and, for the first time, industry legend Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.  This album release signals the eagerly anticipated next chapter in the multi-talented musician’s evolving career. 'Having children,” says the father of five (including twins), “gives you another burst of energy, a new perspective; ‘Back to Love’ stems from that energy.”

Speaking of energy, the first single off Hamilton’s album, ‘Woo’ (also produced by Babyface) pulsates with energy. It’s described as a feel-good, up-tempo ode to a woman whose sexiness stops men in their tracks. “Woo is just another way of saying ‘Good God almighty or Lord have mercy’,” says Hamilton with a laugh. “You’re minding your business, and lo and behold a woo walks by who messes up your whole focus.”

Anthony Hamilton has earned the reputation as an “artist’s artist”. From as early as his church choir days, Hamilton’s natural talent has been evident: his rich, soul-steeped vocals breathe sonorous life into emotive lyrics.

 “Some people write songs to be hits,” says Hamilton - a skilful songwriter in his own right. “Some people write songs because they love it … and that brings a different feeling to the music. I was looking for the latter. That’s why working on this album was so liberating.”

His ‘Back To Love’ Cape Town tour is going down at the CTICC on Friday, 17 August 2012 at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available through Computicket, and range in price from R466 to R568; book now to avoid disappointment.   

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By Aisling Holmes