Watch Taraji P. Henson Sing in ‘The Color Purple’ | Anatomy of a Scene

Shug Avery knows how to make an entrance.
The sultry nightclub singer lights up a room, and a swamp, in this scene from “The Color Purple,” the film musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel. At the beginning of the sequence, a performance of the song “Push Da Button,” Shug (Taraji P. Henson), wearing a shimmering red dress and a feathered headdress, arrives at a juke joint on a barge.
The director Blitz Bazawule, narrating the sequence, said that his production designer, Paul D. Austerberry, suggested shooting it on location, rather than on a soundstage. They found a swamp in Georgia that they drained and refilled, to build the juke joint in which Shug performs.
Bazawule said that it took two weeks of rehearsal to figure out the blocking, with choreography by Fatima Robinson. It was “very important that we gave Taraji an opportunity to shine,” he explained. Henson does all of her own singing in the scene, having taken vocal lessons to prepare for the role.
An idea for a dance break while the lights are shut off came to Bazawule when he was on set early one day, before shooting, and saw the environmental lights on. “The blue light started to bleed through,” he recalled. “I said to myself, ‘I think that’s it. If we can go from light to darkness this way, I think we could have something special.’”
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[@freedomchar1]

The narrator was like, if you want to hear her sing, go see it in person. I'm not giving you a free preview. 😵‍💫

[@nicolep3418]

He was the actual director! Genius one, at that!

[@myfaithlove9393]

My thoughts exactly but this was not right 😧🙄

[@idontknow7738]

Click bait is what it is. I thought I would be able to hear her. But, only BARELY over his voice. 👎🏾

[@imjusterykah9859]

Stop being cheap and go support the movie.

[@reishacoleman4733]

MAN TALK THROUGH THE WHOLE DANG ON PERFORMANCE

[@RhapsodyRob]

This ENTRY was so dope. The boat moving without a paddle in motion. The colors . Amazingly shot

[@MamaBebop4529]

Thanks for the commentary, Taraji is a gem, glad I heard her sing before, because you didn't let us hear her 😂

[@nicolep3418]

What he wants, is for us to watch the full movie

[@MamaBebop4529]

@@nicolep3418 yeah I know

[@d.d.p.parker3671]

we could do o our own commentary, shut up, I heard her sing on her other show, good thing I did with him.talking the whole time

[@tipper6733]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@d.d.p.parker3671You sound like a ditzy complaining blk, mad over a moot point. “We do our own commentary”…who do you do that for a movie you never saw? Secondly, you have NEVER heard Taraji sing like she did in the Color Purple! Singing a Broadway song is WAAAAY different and difficult. That’s why he noted she took lessons. I have people like y’all in our community 🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

[@user-gf1vt4rx5o]

She did a great job. I Love this scene. She is a natural actor and singer.

[@afterthestorm221]

It must've been an incredible feeling to be in that space making something so culturally important.

[@vegan_victory]

Go vegan. 🌱💪

[@triniteebryant5532]

I love her . She was singing amazing . You go aunty ❤

[@BossLadeeTee-LilJeremyJ]

This was beautiful went to see on Christmas gave me chills love it

[@triniteebryant5532]

@BossLadeeTee-LilJeremyJ same. I saw it on new years eve . Best movie ever .

[@Xavier-Denis]

Out of all the movies, The Color Purple is my favorite movie. Recently I heard one of the actresses say in an interview that black actors and actresses were paid less than white ones and I was outraged to hear that. They have as many talents as the next person and I wondered what WE could do to express our discontent and support them in the face of this injustice and support them to be paid fairly.

[@sisj-g112]

Look at the credits. Top heavy A List has the money.

[@ttlynn3213]

Yes that was Taraji the actress that was in red singing.

[@Xavier-Denis]

@@sisj-g112 Having A doesn't give them more money, unless it's on their contract or if they won an Oscar they can negotiate a percentage like Denzel Washington

[@Xavier-Denis]

@@ttlynn3213 Thanks for the name 😏

[@virgoqueen8950]

​​@@Xavier-DenisTHE BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD ARE GETTING SCREWED OVER NOT THE MEN

[@rkms5606]

Once again, this black woman ATE her scenes!❤🎉🙌🏿 great job. Thank you for sharing this break down

[@francesslaughter5539]

That particular storyline meant it was closer to the storyline of Alice Walkers book. If you read the book.👍🏽

[@renatapendergrass5930]

Yes it is which is why I don't understand why so many ppl were bent out of shape about certain scenes in the movie 💃🏿

[@llirbyllirby]

Exactly, as was the Broadway musical.

[@lisaboban]

THAT was a brilliant production!

[@hisanipdubose516]

Saw it yesterday. She was absolutely amazing!!!! She is a fantastic actress/ singer and should be paid top dollar. In general this was great movie. The music and dancing did not take away from the seriousness of the story. E everyone gave top performances. I was surprised to see David Greer and Jon Baptiste. I could go on and on but to sum it up, GREAT JOB E EVERONE including the behind the scenes crews!!!!!

[@inezhunter9605]

She did her thing, pay my girl what she is worth. So much talent that no one knew she had. Every actor they use was perfectly fit. No one else could have done this. PERIOD!!!!

[@kenyatacarter5144]

Wow, so many ppl complaining that he was talking, when he’s breaking down the moment which is the basis of the video! If yall wanna see the scene GO ACTUALLY SEE THE MOVIE! This is a breakdown not a watch and enjoy sheesh

[@janicetuggle1238]

I knew Taraji could sing, but you narrated through the entire video 😏

[@sisj-g112]

Oscar🎉🎉🎉🎉 winning 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ performance 🎉🎉🎉. She deserves her paycheck 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉. This isn't a nominee moment. This is an Oscar worthy performance.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@canstruth12]

"They better pay my girl Taraji all her money...She worth more than billions ... Maybe if fans start protesting maybe Hollywood would give our favorite stars what they worth...❤❤❤"

[@candicejack5809]

They could have given us a snippet of just her singing to make us want to see The Color Purple Again. I can wait.

[@kenyatacarter5144]

Wonderful moment! I didn’t think she was was singing, thank you so much for that break down!!

[@djonnyd5656]

Yes thanks for making her quit Hollywood.. because y'all black balling her. Pay her what's she do

[@SandraAlexander-xi5lb]

YES. TARAJI is a PHENOMENAL SINGER as well as an ACTRESS.

[@idontknow7738]

Can't really hear her sing.

[@janicehamlet4696]

You could tell she was singing. The veins on her neck were showing

[@SandraAlexander-xi5lb]

Very talented actress and so stunning. She's so gorgeous 👑🖤👑🤎👑🖤🤎👑🤎🖤👑

[@nanakingkaur8296]

Imagine you do such an epic job and don't get paid for it.

[@tinahale1471]

I saw her upset and crying because she underpaid on Instagram

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Excellent work. ❤

[@jeanheard4615]

She is an amazing actress and a great singer

[@myrthamillien6458]

I think she is a great performer!

[@arlenerogerswilhite2236]

Love this narration and commentary thank you for the post❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉

[@awade2436]

Taraji played the heck out that part

[@Annie-ZA]

WOW! How impressive Blitz Bazawule! 👏👌CONGRATS to ALL of you. This looks magnificent, but PRAY TELL 🙏Sir, did folk really dance soooo provocatively (2:00) back in those days? 🤔😱😲🕺💃Surely that's only seen in private Swingers Joints these days?🤔 South Africa 🌍🦁😍

[@rkms5606]

Yes. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

[@gospel3067]

The south had late night juke joints even back then. I'm too young to know for certain, but I bet some of my ppl shed the church clothes & hit these places up late😊

[@rochellethompson9854]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Annie-ZA]

THAT'S WHAT i WOULD'VE DONE. THIS IS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. @@gospel3067

[@shantrellhopson]

Yes. Remember swing dancing? All between legs, coochies in faces while up on men shoulders. Nothing new under the sun.

[@michaelparbatule]

She didn't need vocal lessons she's already a singer

[@jayzcafe1294]

Every singer needs vocal lessons at some point or the other especially if they're singing out of their range.

[@KBWeeds]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!

[@TT-zb4bx]

O.M.Gosh! I clicked on this to hear Taraji sing but all I hear is this guy TALKING!!! REALLY MAN!

[@user-jm4tq9zk2o]

We knew you could act but ween know you could sing black queen ❤️👸🏾

[@KeliK1]

Great show!

[@cookieladycarriej.7645]

Totally amazing She has the voice for that song and did an awesome job. My daughter is young and coming up actress loves Taraji P and your work as a Director . Congratulations continue blessings Sir 💯❤️🎉🐝

[@cookieladycarriej.7645]

Biltz Bazawule Amazing work 💯

[@sirpoppinchuck]

Daaang Fatima Robinson choreographing for major a film okaaay!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@lorenecaldwell3610]

❤Love This Scene

[@Esther-im4mb]

I love her, she is always serious with her job. Deserve to be paid whatever she deserves. If i am a producer, i would like to work with her

[@shalynhollie7367]

Paid

[@Esther-im4mb]

@@shalynhollie7367 yea, thanks. It was a typo.

[@autumnsmom1117]

Wow! They set the mood and made this scene come alive. Appreciated knowing that Ms. Taraji took voice lessons, which sharpened her skill. This lady did her thing! ✨️👏🏾

[@marcchesley3731]

Taraji deserved 500k she put herself into Shug Avery's part

[@clashon4life843]

She Deserves So Much More As She’s Under Paid!!!

[@MeMe-no4wr]

She deserved millions.

[@helengarbenis5992]

Would have been nice to hear it

[@francesslaughter5539]

Great job🎶 !

[@robbinjefferson7470]

Weren't we supposed to HEAR her SING? 🤔After about 10 seconds I just went on ahead and skimmed thru HOPING. BUT I HEARD THE END OF IT. That is crazy. Wow.😮 Won't happen again

[@StreetBitchEnt]

I was definitely thinking the same thing as you. I skipped ahead & was very disappointed.

[@c.n.woodruff2022]

It's called Anatomy of a Scene... it's supposed to be a discussion of how directors created a scene....is the song by itself not on KZbin?

[@robbinjefferson7470]

@@c.n.woodruff2022 THE FIRST THING IT SAYS, Taraji P. Henson SING in The Color Purple / WHICH DREW me & others thinking WE were going to HEAR & SEE SINGING. THE ANATOMY PART ..is the Director ALLOWING us to HEAR & SEE as HE BREAKS IT DOWN. NOT JUST THE DIRECTOR'S SOOTHING VOICE. Much love though.

[@nicolep3418]

I love that you broke up the setup for the reason that you said you did!! Brilliant in every way!!

[@allthefoolery8946]

Thanks for letting us hear her sing. You could’ve spoke after

[@shyelowe4302]

So excited to see the Color Purple..💜

[@rosealgreenwood6893]

We’ll be quite so we can hear her 😂

[@dyannakelly3960]

What you said 😂😂😂

[@jesst6289]

I’m thinking the same thing!!😩😂

[@garycooper8080]

it is spelled quiet

[@amandagreen5626]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@rosealgreenwood6893]

@@garycooper8080 I know how it’s spelled it was a typo. But you being a nazi grammar police is a character flaw. You are your you’re I use those all incorrectly and I don’t punctuate either . To make you guys feel like you have accomplished something. Your welcome. You see did it again. You are welcome

[@sandrarice4197]

She is so talented and beautiful too!!!

[@SoniaLenoir-sk3qj]

That's my GURL!!! I just LUV HER. SO MUCH ENERGY...and GIFTED🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

[@vernam.2474]

I loved ❤ it.

[@DanielleA2023]

Gorgeous ❤❤❤❤

[@lindawilliams8715]

TARAJI all of your praises are well deserved!

[@kimberlymay9497]

One of my fav parts ❤ push the button 😂

[@ElizabethBrown-dz4wc]

So happy about tj she such a Good actress. She can do so many things.god for sure made you special.may gods keep on blessings you.gods special 😇

[@Aronoel31]

It's not in cinemas in the UK yet. I can't wait !!!

[@averukor1947]

Wow!!!

[@fatdevil7]

That's insane! Had no idea Taraji singing sounded like a man doing commentary

[@mertellatait9050]

Taraji is high calibre acting!!!

[@brianharris6467]

Nice

[@nadineroberts4561]

Listen. I love me some Taraji BUT she was not giving SHUG. Shug is RAW with it when shes singing. She puts it all out there. Taraji didn't put it all out there. It seemed Soft and Medicore and thats NOT Ms. Shug Avery

[@stephaniewilkins6891]

I thought I was gonna hear Tarai sing but instead I just heard someone talking through the entire video

[@larryjefferson3396]

She is an awesome Actress & deserves to be paid her worth. @tarajihenson - Excellent Job! Well Done! Love, Santa Larry Jefferson

[@Bigbosmw]

I like it.

[@user-ug6hf8gv9j]

I wonder if they keep in the line with the guy that is so enamored with Shug, he yells out to her, "I'll drink your bath water!" Lmbo lol

[@willkeeping1800]

I need to see it for myself

[@sandrarice4197]

She looks so pretty in red!!!

[@naimahbuckner4062]

I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m planning too,. I’m very interested in it.

[@carlavotor9395]

You talked all through her performance that no one heard her sing 😂

[@tinahale1471]

I saw her crying and very upset with her life because she underpaid. She covered her face, looking so distraught that I felt sorry for her

[@virgoqueen8950]

BLACK FEMALES IN THE INDUSTRY GET SCREWED OVER FINANCIALLY ALL THE TIME, TARAJI WAS JUST BOLD ENOUGH TO REALLY SPEAK ON IT OUT LOUD. US VIRGOS ARE VERY PROUD PEOPLE AND WE HATE BEING EMOTIONAL

[@user-hg7wo9ei2z]

Классная постановка!

[@yettaharrison2832]

Where is Taraji performing this beautiful and highly Entertaining film????

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@jamesbell2257]

#bucketlisted

[@karishabeasley1876]

Thats y she deserves HER MONEY!!

[@wilmalee5931]

Where was the Juke Joint scene filmed , what city?

[@MatiasGeraldoThe2nd]

Keep in mind, if you watch this video, you’ll hear one second of her singing, and some guy talking about blocking the whole time. 👍👍

[@MOQUIZZYBROWN]

Yall need to pay these actors and actress...

[@michelleredding8748]

MAYBE WHEN YOU STOP TALKING WE CAN HEAR HER!? 😂 OK. I KNOW I JUST NEED 2 GO & SEE IT!

[@derrickrumley9965]

Paper long enough to drain swamps😅

[@angelacrowe5575]

Good, but too modernized. Watching the original scene was more raw,and made you feel as if you were actually in a juke joint in that era. This scene is excellent though, but doesn't give you the time period.

[@richardpearson4169]

I don't believe for one moment that Taraji sang any song in the movie. There are at least two people singing the different songs she sang- Deborah Cox and a singer from EnVogue.

[@rafaelmonzon1429]

Did you say watch Taraji sing or listen to you?

[@MeMe-no4wr]

Hush so we can hear her sing. 😮

[@djonnyd5656]

So why didn't you help get her more money

[@Gammaof8]

I want to hear the song 🤫

[@PamelaNotAnderson]

The forbidden dance.

[@erayam3135]

Love it Was the great Yes She it

[@bellabanana9546]

It does say "watch" her sing. Doesn't say.."hear" her sing.😅good one.😊

[@lil_ms_imperfect392]

Draining a swamp may have cost more than they willing to pay her, such an amazing underpaid actress

[@chantelb2527]

its a musical now?

[@llirbyllirby]

Yes it is. It is based off of the 2005 Broadway musical, but re-imagined

[@WholeSouthernCooks]

I wish I could’ve just heard her sing versus all this talking over the singing

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

💎💎💎💎💎

[@kniyahmonaeeternal6829]

I wish I could’ve actually heard her sing …

[@yaadi876]

let us hear it

[@johnettapaup4677]

Sista!

[@lucretiapage7783]

You should have told you comments after her performance.

[@emitaylorhewitt600]

This reminds me of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal video when it goes dark. Taraji is an amazing actress in whatever role she plays.

[@kathytommie9516]

I'm trying to hear her sing but he keep talking I don't want to hear you talk I want to hear sing 🤐

[@mslovely53]

SHAME ON YOU OPRAH! Taraji was good in this movie💯💖💖💖💖💖

[@Stephanie-bm8be]

To much yik yakk. All we want is to see Taraji

[@aprilperlman5701]

Sooo you drained a swamp for this scene???

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@sharpgirlsSerious]

I realize that the movie industry is into atmosphere and realism, but couldn't they have used or built a throw away set and paid everyone more money, instead of buying, a swamp and draining it and back filling it with sand and building a jook joint on it. How much did that cost. ! 😶

[@dbknights2005]

You talked through the whole video