PJ Morton, a six-time Grammy Award winner with 22 nominations, soul singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from New Orleans, and one of the leading figures of the contemporary American soul and R&B scene, is coming to Musicology Barcaffè Sessions on October 15 at BitefArtCafe.
Born into a family deeply rooted in the gospel tradition of the American South, PJ Morton is the son of Bishop Paul S. Morton, a renowned gospel pastor and singer, whose influence strongly shaped PJ’s musical expression. This unique combination of gospel, soul, funk, and contemporary R&B has become his distinctive signature sound.
He is also widely known as the longtime keyboardist of Maroon 5, with whom he has performed for more than 12 years. At the same time, his solo work reveals a completely different, more intimate and authentic artistic side.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with artists including Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jon Batiste, Nas, Lil Wayne, Jill Scott, JoJo, Yebba, and many other artists across different genres.
His albums, including Gumbo, Paul and Watch the Sun, have established him as one of the artists redefining the sound of modern soul by combining classic influences with contemporary production and deeply personal lyrics.
In 2024, PJ Morton became the first Black composer to write an original song for Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, further confirming his cultural and artistic significance.
That same year, he released Cape Town to Cairo, an album he entirely wrote, recorded and produced during a 30-day journey across Africa. Inspired by African music, culture and his experiences on the road, the project further expanded his artistic expression and exploration of the roots of soul and rhythm.
PJ Morton is also the author of Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, an autobiographical book exploring his artistic journey and the relationship between music and faith, identity, culture and personal expression.
Beyond his studio work, he is particularly celebrated as a live performer. His concerts are known for their powerful emotion, exceptional musicianship and direct connection with the audience, bringing together the energy of gospel churches, the improvisational spirit of soul and the groove of funk in a unique live experience.
Today, PJ Morton is one of the rare artists who successfully brings together mainstream success, artistic integrity and the deep musical traditions of the American South.
In partnership with Lenovo Serbia, Musicology Barcaffè Sessions has, for the fifth consecutive year, supported young and talented musicians through the Musicology Showcase by Lenovo programme, giving them the opportunity to present their talent alongside world-class performers. As the opening act for PJ Morton, Manivi will perform — a Belgrade-based band led by singer-songwriter Ivana Vukmirović, whose original sound combines pop, soul and funk with contemporary production, accompanied by a band featuring some of Serbia’s leading jazz and soul musicians.
PJ Morton on his upcoming concert
New Orleans has such a strong musical identity that almost every artist from the city carries its spirit in their sound. Do you ever feel pressure because you come from a city with such a rich musical tradition?
Yes, I actually felt pressure because the New Orleans sound didn’t necessarily come naturally to me. But I realised that I always carry the spirit of New Orleans with me — and that spirit is the freedom that comes from being from such a unique city.
2. You have earned the respect of musicians while also being genuinely loved by audiences. In today’s music industry, do you think it is becoming harder to remain authentic?
I still believe authenticity will always win. I think that, as we move forward, it will become even more important to remain yourself and authentic.
3. Your music often evokes nostalgia without ever sounding old-fashioned. Why do you think people today are longing for warmth and soul again?
It’s simply a sound that naturally draws me in. I think something that feels real will always connect with something real in a person.
4. As someone who plays, writes, produces, arranges and performs, which part of the process still gives you the same excitement it did at the beginning?
I don’t think I will ever get tired of creating a song from nothing until it becomes a complete piece. I also love singing in front of an audience, and with the audience, when we all feel the same thing and share that energy.
5. Do you think audiences listen to music differently today than they did 10 years ago? Have social media changed the emotional connection people have with music?
Yes, I think it is constantly changing. I’ve experienced so many different changes since I started making music. What remains the same is that a great artist with great songs will always connect with people in an honest and authentic way, regardless of how people experience them or how they come into contact with their music.
6. You have achieved major commercial success, critical recognition, Grammy nominations and artistic freedom. What does success actually mean to you today?
Success is doing exactly what you want to do. For me, success is having peace.
These same values are at the heart of the partnership between A1 Serbia and Musicology Barcaffè Sessions. A1 believes that a quality everyday life is made up of simple things — good connectivity, the people who matter to us and experiences that shape us. Culture brings all of these elements together, which is why, through this partnership, A1 aims to bring exceptional performers and memorable concerts closer to its audience.
See you at Musicology Barcaffè Sessions! For years, Barcaffè and Musicology have shared the same idea: the best moments happen when people come together, share an experience and stay a little longer because of the good energy. Music, just like coffee, has the power to bring people together and turn an ordinary moment into one worth remembering.
Date: October 15, 2026
Doors open: 8:30 PM
Musicology Showcase by Lenovo: 9:00 PM
PJ MORTON LIVE: 10:00 PM
Tickets are available through the official ticketing service: bilet.rs
Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1594404712144334
Writer. Blogger. Traveler. Researcher. Electronic Music Lover.
