Vusi Mahlasela

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Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane

Vusi Mahlasela, is simply known as ‘The Voice‘ in his home-country, South Africa, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, Vusi became a singer-songwriter and poet-activist at an early age teaching himself how to play guitar and later joining the Congress of South African Writers. After his popular debut on BMG Africa, When You Come Back, Vusi was asked to perform at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994 and continues to spread Mandela’s message as an official ambassador to Mandela’s HIV/AIDS initiative, 46664.

After world-wide touring and international acclaim, Americans first caught a glimpse of Vusi in the lauded documentary film Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony, and the accompanying soundtrack. After the release of the film, long-time admirer and fellow South African, Dave Matthews, signed Vusi to his own ATO Records label and released The Voice (2003)¸ a collection of the best songs from Vusi’s catalog. In 2007, ATO released his latest album, Guiding Star, his first full-length release in the States. ATO Records released the highly anticipated follow-up record to Guiding Star on January 18, 2011. The new album, Say Africa, produced by Taj Mahal and recorded at Dave Matthews’ studio in Charlottesville, VA, captures Vusi’s hope for the future of Africa: “Let all those who share in Mandela’s greatest wish—to one day see an Africa that is at peace with herself—SAY AFRICA.”

After recording the album in the States, Vusi returned to his home in South Africa and was honored to help ring in the World Cup at FIFA’s Kick Off Concert at Orlando Stadium. The concert was broadcast internationally to an estimated one billion viewers. Following his performance, Vusi proudly introduced fellow South African, Archbishop Desmond Tutu on stage. Vusi’s anthemic song When You Come Back was ITV’s official theme song for the World Cup in the UK. Other recent highlights include performing at Mandela Day to honor Mandela’s birthday, touring with Bela Fleck behind the release of his Grammy-winning album Throw Down Your Heart, which features a live track from Vusi and Bela, two appearances at the TED conference and performing with Paul Simon.

In the midst of a busy international touring schedule, Vusi remains dedicated to his social activism and partnerships with non-profits, including his own Vusi Mahlasela Music Development Foundation, committed to the promotion of and preservation of African music. Other organizations that Vusi actively supports are OXFAM, The Acumen Fund, The African Leadership Academy and the ONE campaign.

Over a musically and socially consequential career, South African singer-songwriter and poet-activist Vusi Mahlasela has successfully followed his muse and continued to give back to his country. As he puts it, he knows that “musicians have to be like watchdogs, just by seeing and speaking out, directly to the youth as well, because we need some kind of Cultural Revolution to remove ignorance.”

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Say Africa (2010 FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Concer
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REVIEWS

I’ve seen him perform around the world and he never fails to connect with sparkling results and joyous energy.
Taj Mahal

Vusi Mahlasela sings as a bird does: in total response to being alive. Music was at the heart of the struggle for freedom; Vusi was there. Music is at the heart of reconstruction; Vusi’s music is here to stir and delight us. He is a national treasure.
Nadine Gordimer, 1991 Nobel Prize winner

His music skims folk, rock, traditional African and even a touch of reggae, offering masterpieces for reconciliation in the post-Apartheid era, and welcoming home the prisoners and exiles eager to remake the world. With a soundtrack by Vusi Mahlasela, the way forward is clear—and a bit easier thanks to the uplifting force of his timeless creations.
Roger Steffens

His performances are optimistic and soulful, delivered with an intensity that captures the attention and embraces the heart.
Los Angeles Times