Tuesday January 18, 2011
from Pop News Wire
Vusi Mahlasela, “Say Africa”
Review by Shawn Amos
South Africa’s Vusi Mahlasela is part of long tradition of such African singers as Angelique Kidjo and Youssou N’Dour, who have charmed America with jubilant, bilingual songs and soaring voices. And like so many South African musical exports, Vusi Mahlasela has an American musical champion. For Mahlasela, it’s South African-born, American-bred Dave Matthews, who signed him to his ATO Records label. Revered American roots man Taj Mahal produces the trans-Atlantic set, and Angelique Kidjo makes a duet appearance on “Nakupenda Africa.” The song and the album bring the African American musical circle closer. Hopefully, “Say Africa” will find a large American audience and close the loop completely.
Read the full article and see video here