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Vusi Mahlasela | |
|---|---|
 Mahlasela in February 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1965 (age 58–59) Pretoria, South Africa |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Genres | African folk, jam band |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Labels | ATO, Wrasse, BMG, RCA, Label Bleu |
| Website | VusiMahlasela.com |
Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane (born 1965 in Pretoria, South Africa) is a Sotho South African singer-songwriter.
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 the anti-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 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 and at Live Earth. Vusi performed at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994 and has subsequently performed at Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute in Hyde Park, London in 2008, and at Mandela Day at Radio City Music Hall in July 2009. His song "When You Come Back" was used at ITV's theme song for their World Cup coverage in 2010[1] and Vusi performed at the FIFA World Cup Kick Off concert at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa.[2] In 2012, the SAMA Awards honored Vusi with a lifetime achievement award.[3]
- ^ "When You Come Back (ITV World Cup theme version) – Vusi Mahlasela | Betting Island". 19 August 2014. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ "FIFA WORLD CUP KICK–OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT | 10 June 2010 | Control Room". 10 April 2010. Archived from the original on 10 April 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ "MTN SAMA 18 salutes Ray Phiri and Vusi Mahlasela - 18TH ANNUAL MTN SA MUSIC AWARDS". 14 April 2012. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2020.