Vusi Mahlasela
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| Vusi Mahlasela | |
|---|---|
 Vusi Mahlasela in February 2009 |
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| Background information | |
| Born | 1965 (age 46–47) Pretoria, South Africa |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Genres | African folk, jam band |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Website | http://www.vusimahlasela.com/ |
Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane (born 1965 in Pretoria) is a Sotho South African singer-songwriter.
His music is generally described as "African folk". His work was an inspiration to many in the anti-apartheid movement. His themes include the struggle for freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation with enemies. Vusi can also be heard performing on Warren Haynes' Live at Bonnaroo release during the song "Soulshine", and the Dave 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 album The Best of What's Around Vol. 1. Vusi was also one of the performers at the Live 8 concerts.
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[edit] Recent works
His album The Voice includes the popular track "Weeping", recorded with Josh Groban and Ladysmith 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 documentary Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony where they recalled the days of Apartheid.
In June 2007, Mahlasela spoke of apartheid and performed "Thula Mama" at the TED Conference.
On 7 July 2007 Mahlasela performed at the South African leg of Live Earth.
His album, Guiding Star, as Naledi Ya Tsela (the name under which it is released in South Africa) won him the 2007 SAMA for Best Male Artist.
He has participated in videos for Playing for Change most notably "One Love" and "Stand By Me".
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 #70.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio albums
| Title | Release Date | Billboard Top World Albums |
|---|---|---|
| When You Come Back | 1992 | |
| Wisdom of Forgiveness | 1994 | |
| Silang Mabele | 1997 | |
| Miyela Afrika | 2000 | |
| Jungle of Questions (with the Proud Peoples Band) | ||
| Naledi Ya Tsela (Guiding Star) | 2007 | |
| Say Africa[1] | 2010 |
[edit] Live albums
| Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Live at the Bassline | 1999 |
[edit] Soundtracks
| Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony | 2002 |
| Tsotsi | 2005 |
[edit] Compilations
| Title | Release Date | Billboard Top World Albums |
|---|---|---|
| The Voice (Vusi Mahlasela album) | 2003 | 13 |
[edit] References
- ^ Gedye, Lloyd (2010-11-07). "Return of The Voice". Mail & Guardian. http://www.mg.co.za/article/2010-11-17-return-of-the-voice.
[edit] External links
- Official website
- TED Talks: Vusi Mahlasela sings "Thula Mama" at TED Global in 2007
- TED Talks: Vusi Mahlasela's encore at TEDGlobal2007 at TED Global in 2007
- A profile of Vusi Mahlasela on www.music.org.za
- Mail & Guardian Musical Slideshow: Vusi Mahlasela performs at the KykNET Irene Summer Series near Pretoria, South Africa, October 2009
- Playing for Change - Vusi Mahlasela
