I’m very excited to be included on ATO’s ‘Silence Is Not An Option (turn this up)’- an album of powerful anthems from the ATO catalog that explore issues of identity, community, social justice, and resistance. This recycled wax vinyl pre-order is live today exclusively on Bandcamp along with an expanded donation-based playlist- with all net proceeds going to BLM Greater NY, Color Of Change and Innocence Project. Listen/Pre-Order here: smarturl.it/SilenceIsNotAnOption
Kindness Contagion AN AFRICAN RESPONSE TO Covid-19
A consortium of top African artists have created a song and music video rooted in African values of friendship, generosity, sharing and togetherness. Every artist recorded their music and video content independently from where they are around the world, offering a truly pan-African message to the rest of the planet around the COVID-19 pandemic, not focusing on hygiene or social distancing – instead, a call to action for all to heal the world together based on our common humanity.
Congratulations to Vusi for winning the Ubuntu Arts & Cultural Award!
“Ntate Vusi Mahlasela is internationally celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect South Africa with its promise for a better future. Congratulations to all the winners and the nominees this evening.” - Cyril Ramaphosa #UbuntuAwards2020
The news of the passing of Baba Joseph Shabalala came as a shock to me on Tuesday morning as I was getting ready for the day. A powerful soul that always had positive and great input into the arts industry.
I had the pleasure of touring and working with Ladysmith Black Mambazo under the leadership of Dr Shabalala in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. As their opening act, I gained a big fan base because of their big following in the world.
I learned a lot from bab’Shabalala; always humble and always inviting me to their changing room for a prayer before the show.
I recorded a song called "Heaven in My Heart" with Mambazo. He rendered unselfishly a leading voice collaborating with my voice on the song. He treated me like one of his sons.
Mambazo and bab’Shabalala were truly blessed with the gift of song, spiritually gifted and they were able to export our rich typical South African cultural music to the world.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
-Vusi
photo via: mambazo.com
HARLEM, N.Y., Aug. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, August 3rd, the tenth annual Apollo in the Hamptons was held at the East Hampton home of Apollo Vice...
The passing of Johnny Clegg came as a shock as its always not easy to accept a passing of a great man. We have lost a great musician, songwriter, husband, father and a friend to many.
We have worked together on platforms like the the Nelson Mandela’s 46664 and other shows/music festivals in South Africa and other countries on many occasions. He contributed a lot musically and also embraced ubuntu.
Johnny was one versatile artist, with his flexibility to use South African cultures and languages in conveying his message through music.
He was advocating for better education on initiatives like the Click Foundation that helps underprivileged learners to understand the fundamentals of language.
He was a great colleague to many of us and that has earned him a beautiful tribute while he was still alive by a group of artists (friends of Johnny Clegg) that re-recorded his song “The Crossing” in 2018. With his inspiration to support education, this project was also an initiative to raise funds for the Click Foundation. I feel so privileged to being part of such a recording organized by Karen Zoid.
Condolences to his family,colleagues, friends and all his fans throughout the world.
HAMBA KAHLE BAB’ JOHNNY, MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE! - Vusi
It was an honor to perform at the Mandela 100 Years event at the National Museum of African American History and Culture for an awe-inspiring celebration of Mandela’s legacy!
The passing of Oliver Mtukudzi yesterday came as a shock to me. Oliver was really like a brother to me and whenever we shared the stage together, I knew it was going to be awesome.
As we were both traveling around the world touring internationally and playing at many of the same venues, we’d often be like two ships in the night. I’d notice he’d be performing in the same venue after me and I’d leave him a note and he’d do the same. Sharing the stage with him at festivals was always a good time as we’d end up going to friends’ houses after the gig and eating dinner together and discussing music, life and future plans. I was so looking forward to that kind of hang with him at the upcoming Cape Town Jazz Festival in March where we were planning a collaborative show.
He was a true soldier in song and in dance— his activism contributed a lot of Ubuntu and humanity to the world. I'm so devastated by his loss and send my deepest condolences to the Mtukudzi family and all of his many fans around the world.
This musical evening will be a celebration of Mamelodi’s rich musical heritage and expression and included in the State Theatre’s Mzansi Fela Festival, which is a celebration of local artistry and creativity. Tickets here: https://online.computicket.com/web/event/spirit_of_malombo_mzansi_fela_festival/1269884653/605665409
Vusi to Record Live Album at the Shebeen Queen’s House in Mamelodi
Vusi Mahlasela is recording a live album in the heart of Mamelodi and you can be a part of it.
Celebrating township music and the stories behind the tunes, the show and album is also in honour of Vusi's grandmother – a strong woman respected by all in the community. She raised Vusi as a child and ran a shebeen from their home – this is where Vusi found his love of music. Years later, we return to the “Shebeen Queen's” house to celebrate in true Mamelodi fashion. Tickets here: https://bit.ly/2NjfwaN
ONE NIGHT ONLY! Karen Zoid and friends are going to bring down the house in this exceptional live performance. Expect some of the biggest hits from her award winning TV show, as well as a special appearances by Mielie Senekal and more.
With Karen Zoid, Francois van Coke, Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground) Kahn Morbee (Parlotones), Jo Black, Vusi Mahlasela, Ross Learmouth (Prime Circle).
South Africa and Mamelodi in particular mourns the death of Dr Phillip Tabane, the son of Mamelodi. The founding father of Malombo music. A musical genius, composer and arranger of his music. His music was spiritual, when performing on stage one will never tell where it will go, he was the master of improvisation. He inspired me musically. Malombo music translates as spiritual music. Indeed the baobab tree has fallen, rest in peace son of Mamelodi.
Vusi Mahlasela to Receive Honorary Doctorate from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Vusi Mahlasela, popularly called "The Voice of South Africa," who was set to be conferred with a honorary doctorate by the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal for his contribution to society through his music could not receive his award this week due to illness. The university said it hopes the musician will be well enough to receive the degree at its spring graduation ceremony in September, 2018.
South African musician, Vusi Mahlasela who was set to be conferred with a honorary doctorate by the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal for his contribution to society through his music could not receive his award this week due to illness.
The university's acting executive director of corporate relations, Normah Zondo was quoted saying the legendary musician will hopefully receive the award at the institution's spring graduation ceremony in September.
"The university wishes him a speedy recovery and hopes that he will be well enough to join us at our spring graduation ceremony in September 2018," Zondo said.
Mahlasela, who is often dubbed as "The voice" of South Africa inspired many people during the anti-apartheid movement. He performed at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994 and also during Mandela's 90th birthday tribute.
In 2012, then South African president Jacob Zuma awarded Mahlasela the Order of Ikhamanga, an award on South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of art, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
Mahlasela has been singing social conscious music for the past 20 years. He told Sunday Tribune: "This is an important honour for me. God gave me the gift to impact people's lives."
Vusi has appeared and worked with many notable African and international artists.
Legendary musician Mahlasela started a music academy in order to pass on the knowledge he has acquired to younger musicians. Despite lack of space and funding, he has continued to help others.
Growing up in apartheid South Africa, Mahlasela dedicated his life to singing about freedom, social justice, police harassment and the struggle.
By Socrates Mbamalu
Vusi Mahlasela @vusimahlasela - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
