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Vusi Mahlasela | |
|---|---|
 Mahlasela performing in February 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1965 (age 60–61) Pretoria, South Africa |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Labels | ATO,Wrasse,BMG,RCA,Label Bleu |
| Website | VusiMahlasela.com |
Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane (born 1965) is aZulu South African singer-songwriter. He was born inPretoria.
His music is generally described as "African folk" and he is often dubbed as "The Voice" of South Africa. His work was an inspiration to many in theanti-apartheid movement. His themes include the struggle for freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation with enemies. Vusi has released seven studio albums on Sony in South Africa and was signed to Dave Matthews' ATO Records in 2003. Vusi can also be heard performing onWarren Haynes'Live at Bonnaroo release during the song "Soulshine", and theDave Matthews Band song, "Everyday", from the album of the same name as well as a live version of the song with him which appears on the albumThe Best of What's Around Vol. 1. Vusi was also one of the performers at theLive 8 concerts and atLive Earth. Vusi performed atNelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994 and has subsequently performed atNelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute inHyde Park, London in 2008, and atMandela Day atRadio City Music Hall in July 2009. His song "When You Come Back" was used atITV's theme song for theirWorld Cup coverage in 2010[1] and Vusi performed at theFIFA World Cup Kick Off concert atOrlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa.[2] In 2012, theSAMA Awards honored Vusi with a lifetime achievement award.[3]
His albumThe Voice released on ATO Records[4] includes the popular track "Weeping", recorded withJosh Groban andLadysmith Black Mambazo. Vusi joined Mambazo for their October–November UK tour in 2004, and again for their 2007 UK tour, again from October to November 2007.
He and other South African musicians took part in the 2002 documentaryAmandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony where they recalled the days ofApartheid.
In June 2007, Mahlasela spoke of apartheid and performed "Thula Mama" at the TED Conference inArusha, Tanzania. He also performed at TED in Monterey, CA in March 2008. Vusi performed at theSkoll World Forum on 14 April 2010.[5]
On 7 July 2007 Mahlasela performed at theSouth African leg ofLive Earth.
His albumGuiding Star, as Naledi Ya Tsela (the name under which it is released in South Africa), won him the 2007SAMA for Best Male Artist.
He has participated in videos forPlaying for Change most notably "One Love" and "Stand By Me".
In April 2009, Vusi joinedBela Fleck on his Throw Down Your Heart Tour and was also featured on his album of the same name.[6]
ITV used his song "When You Come Back" as their main theme for the opening credits of their coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The song was very popular amongst viewers and entered the UK Official Singles Chart on 4 July 2010 at No. 70.
His 2011 album,Say Africa, was produced by legendary bluesmanTaj Mahal.[7] The album was released 18 January 2011 on ATO Records.[8]
Since the 2013 release of the live album "Sing To The People (Celebrating 20 Years of 'When You Come Back') on ATO Records", Mahlasela has continued to release albums, most recently in 2020, 2021 and 2023 on the ATO, Strut and Gallo labels.
| Title | Release date | Record labels |
|---|---|---|
| When You Come Back | 1992 | BMG Records Africa;Label Bleu/Indigo |
| Wisdom of Forgiveness | 1994 | RCA Victor, BMG |
| Silang Mabele | 1997 | BMG Africa; RCA Victor |
| Miyela Afrika | 2000 | BMG Records Africa |
| Jungle of Questions | Colossal Records, BMG Africa | |
| Naledi Ya Tsela (Guiding Star) | 2007 | ATO Records (US); Wrasse Records (UK) |
| Say Africa[9] | 2010 | Sony Music; ATO Records (US); Wrasse Records (UK) |
| Umaya[10] | 2023 | |
| Title TBA[10] | 2026 |
| Title | Release date |
|---|---|
| Live at the Bassline | 1999 |
| Sing to the People | 2013 |
| Title | Release date |
|---|---|
| Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony | 2002 |
| Tsotsi | 2005 |
| Title | Release date | Billboard Top World Albums |
|---|---|---|
| Live at KEXP Volume 6 | 2010 | N/A |
| The Voice | 2003 | 13 |
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