Tutu  by Miles Davis

In 1986, Miles Davis would present eight new compositions through the album Tutu. The title of the album comes from the name of Desmond Tutu (1931-2021), the South African archbishop, who in the 1980s was one of the great protagonists against the regime of Apartheid that prevailed in his country. Davis wanted in this way to honor him for his humanitarian efforts.

Miles Davis's initial intention was to collaborate on this album with Prince, but for unspecified reasons, the collaboration did not proceed at the last moment. The musical style of the album borrows many elements from the funk and electronic pop of the 1980s, primarily seen in the extensive use of synthesizers and drum machines. The main producer of Tutu was Marcus Miller, with Tommy LiPuma also contributing his assistance. The album received mixed reviews as it deviated from the classic jazz style of Miles Davis.

The Japanese designer Eiko Ishioka was behind the creation of the album cover, using a photograph by Irving Penn to create the cover and the interior of the record. For her work, Eiko Ishioka received the Grammy award for 'Best Album Package' the following year.