Sugar Mama. Photo: Courtesy of JZ Shanghai

By Nick Muzyczka

During her time in the city, Sugar Mama became a Shanghai institution, known and adored by almost every musician in the local scene and hordes of fans.

Her passing away this July, aged 61, marked a bleak moment for those with fond memories of her spirited performances, especially at the Cotton Club, where she held court for many years.

Mama, who spent the last decade of her life in Asia, mostly in Singapore, Beijing and finally Shanghai, was a blues singer extraordinaire, in the tradition of Etta James and Aretha Franklin. Her majestic stage presence, powerful voice and the stream of witticisms and anecdotes that flowed so naturally from her, made Mama an enduring and cherished feature of the city's live music scene.

"She was a singer and fellow musician who had touched all our hearts for many years, and there aren't many musicians who have been around a long while who haven't been moved by her," said Greg Smith, music director and long-serving guitar player at the Cotton Club.

Smith, along with singer Denise Minnifield, has organized a special performance at the ongoing JZ Festival as a celebration of Mama's life and career. Featuring prominently on the festival schedule (the last act on the Century Park's Harmony Stage on Sunday), the core of the music will be played by the Cotton Club house band, comprising of Greg Smith (guitar), Jorland Paulino (bass), and Francesco Perre (drums).

Those attending We All Love Sugar Mama, will also enjoy contributions from a raft of local musicians who have been very eager to take part. Guests will include a number of singers, front-line instrumentalists and bass players. The concert will feature mostly blues, R&B and a touch of jazz music - Mama's preferred blend.

For Mama, who hailed from St Louis, Missouri and once provided backing vocals to Tina Turner, coming to Asia was very much an adventure into the unknown.

"She just kind of fell in love with Asia. She used to tell this story that when somebody first approached her about going to Singapore, her reply was, 'What the hell is that?' She had no idea what they were talking about until it was explained to her," related Smith, laughing.

"I met Mama back in 2000 at The Big Easy club in Beijing," continued Smith. "I would go up on Monday nights to do their blues nights and that's where we first got to play together. She was quick to take the opportunity to come to Shanghai and play with us, and this became her final home."

Asked why he thought Mama enjoyed the reputation she did, Smith said, "It was her tremendous soul and love and spirit; and her raw talent, too. She was the best singer I have ever worked with, for sure. And she had a number of life lessons to give all of us as well," said the guitarist, with a twinkle in his eye.

For more information, visit www.jzfestival.com.

Date: Sunday, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Venue: Century Park 世纪公园

Address: Entrance at Century Park Gate 5, 1359 Huamu Road

花木路1359号世纪公园5号门

Admission: Free with regular festival tickets