Vusi Mahlasela: Two Decades of Musical Excellence

Tuesday March 20, 2012

from Soundcity

Vusi Mahlasela celebrates two decades of musical excellence
The South African musician hits milestone

Accomplished guitarist and composer Vusi Mahlasela has been touring the world extensively for years and is now back home in South Africa to celebrate two decades of music excellence. With his brewed folk sound tinged with soul and blues, Mahlasela has bridged generations at home and abroad.

Mahlasela will celebrate his achievement through a concert at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg on March 25. He says his show, When You Come Back 20th Anniversary Celebration, will be a huge celebration of his life, success and the spirit of ubuntu.

“My songs are known for celebrating the spirit of ubuntu and encouraging kindness, reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion. My music educates both the young and old,” he says.

Born in Lady Selborne in Pretoria, Mahlasela taught himself how to play with his home-made guitar made of cans and fishing line. Though his journey has been exciting, there were lots of speed bumps, he says. Mahlasela says that because of all the challenges he faced in the industry, he has grown as a musician.

“I am grateful to have reached this mark. Some musicians die young. I am thankful to God. For all the hard work, I was honoured with a Martin Luther King Jnr Award by the University of Michigan for the role I have played in the Struggle using my music,” he says.

Mahlasela says he is grateful that many people appreciate his music. “I know all people enjoy my music. But we need to encourage our own people to attend live shows, whether it is a theatre production or music. People need to support local artists.”

In May, Mahlasela will team up with Angelique Kidjo in Europe to celebrate Miriam Makeba in music. He is also set to perform at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival in the UK on May 14. If you miss Mahlasela’s Gold Reef City show, make sure to catch him at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on March 31.

Read the full article here

Nakamokhura	4:07	Vusi Mahlasela
Woza	4:24	Vusi Mahlasela
Thula Mama	3:42	Vusi Mahlasela
Jabula	5:08	Vusi Mahlasela

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