English
LOGIN
Logo
Vusi Mahlasela portrait

Vusi Mahlasela

South Africa

Vusi Mahlasela is a South African singer/songwriter whose 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 your enemies.

He tours on his own, and in collaboration with other artists regularly, and played in U.S. as recently as the Spring of 2009. He toured with Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the United Kingdom for the group’s British tour during October and November of 2004. Vusi can also be heard performing on Warren Haynes’ “Live at Bonnaroo” release during the song “Soulshine,” and on the Dave Matthews Band song “Everyday,” from the album of the same name, as well as on a live version of the song which appears on the album “The Best of What’s Around Vol. 1.”

Vusi joined a number of other South African musicians to take part in the 2002 documentary “Amandla!,” in which they recalled the days of Apartheid.

How we met:

Vusi is known around the world as “The Voice,” both for his singing voice, and for his active role in speaking out against the apartheid regime in South Africa. It is because of this voice that we piled into a minibus on a hot African day and made the drive from Johannesburg to the township of Mamelodi. As we walked through the gate into his backyard, Vusi greeted us with open arms. We quickly set up and recorded Vusi’s unmistakable voice singing songs of healing and forgiveness. Listening to his stories of growing up during apartheid and his active role in helping to end it, we realized the power music has to help people persevere through the toughest of situations.

Related Videos

Stand By Me thumbnail SATW

Stand By Me | Song Around The World

One Love SATW thumbnail

One Love | Song Around The World

PFC Member Exclusive
Billie Jean rehearsal at the Glastonbury Festival MEMBER EXCLUSIVE THUMBNAIL

Billie Jean rehearsal at the Glastonbury Festival | Playing For Change Band

PFC Member Exclusive
TROUBADOUR MEMBER EXCLUSIVE THUMBNAIL

Troubadour | Vusi Mahlasela | Live Outside

PFC Member Exclusive
PFC Band Live documentary thumb

Playing For Change Band Live | Documentary

Imidiwan Afrik Tendam thumb 1

Imidiwan Afrik Tendam | Playing For Change Band and Friends Live

When You Come Back Vusi thumb

When You Come Back | Playing For Change Band Live featuring Vusi Mahlasela

Related Artists

Roger Ridley 2

Roger Ridley

Las Vegas, United States
Grandpa Elliott

Grandpa Elliott

New Orleans, United States
Washboard Chaz 2

Washboard Chaz

New Orleans, United States
Twin Eagle drum Group

Twin Eagle Drum Group

United States