Jussie Smollett, aka Jamal Lyon on the Fox television series Empire, is also mighty busy off-screen these days. The singer/songwriter/actor/director/producer premieres the video for his latest single, “Hurt People,” today (April 17). Concurrent with the video’s debut, Billboard also announces Smollett’s upcoming Sum of My Music Tour.
Launching on April 20 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the tour takes its name from the title of Smollett’s debut full-length studio album. The project was released in March through Smollett’s own independent label Music of Sound LLC. The tour itinerary encompasses stops in Europe and the United States, culminating with a performance at the Essence Festival in New Orleans.
Filmed in Johannesburg and Soweto, South Africa, the Smollett-directed “Hurt People” was filmed with an all-black South African labor force including cast, crew and fashion designers.
The video is the follow-up to Smollett’s second video for the track “Catch Your Eye” featuring Swizz Beatz. The project’s first video for lead single “Freedom” starred actress Tika Sumpter and Tony/Grammy award winner Cynthia Erivo.
Says Smollett of the “Hurt People” video: “I hope and pray this visual will both entertain and inspire. The theme of tolerance and love was completely inspired by Nelson Mandela and the triumphant spirit of the people of South Africa and all African nations that lives within all of us regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. This is an anthem for every person that is ready to break the cycle of hurt people hurting people.”
Watch “Hurt People”:The Sum of My Music Tour schedule appears below. Additional information is also available here: http://jussiesmollettmusic.com/. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit The Black AIDS Institute (https://blackaids.org/) and Flint Kids (https://www.cfgf.org/cfgf/GoodWork/FlintArea/FlintKids/tabid/855/Default.aspx).
Sum of My Music Tour:
April 20 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 7 – Cologne, Germany, Luxor
May 8 – Frankfurt, Germany, Zoom
May 9 – Berlin, Germany, Lido
May 10 – Cannes, France, VIP Room
May 17 – Oakland, CA, Complex
May 19 – Long Beach, CA, Long Beach Pride Festival
May 20 – Santa Ana, CA, Constellation Room
May 21 – Los Angeles, Roxy
May 25 – Philadelphia, Coda
May 26 – Washington, D.C., U Street
May 27 – New York, SOB’s
May 29 – Atlanta, The Masquerade (Hell)
June 1: Houston, Satellite Bar
June 2 – Austin, Empire Control Room
June 3 – Dallas, Deep Ellum Art Co
June 5 – St. Louis, Old Rock House
June 8 – Cleveland, Grog Shop
June 9 – Milwaukee, Milwaukee Pride Festival
June 10 – Chicago, Subterranean
June 12 – Detroit, El Club
July 7 – New Orleans, Essence Festival