Vusi Mahlasela to sing in Paarl
2007-08-08
IN the 1980s, Vusi Mahlasela was a voice of the revolution in South Africa. In the 1990s, he became a musical megastar and started building an increasingly adoring audience abroad. He will perform at the Cultivaria Festival in Paarl’s Strauss Hall on 22 September at 20:00.
Now signed to the record label of native South African musician Dave Matthews, Mahlasela’s music is telling South Africa’s story on a global stage.
A self-taught guitarist, he built his first guitars from cooking-oil cans, with fishing-wire for strings.
With the release of Nelson Mandela and the first democratic elections in South Africa, Mahlasela landed recording deals that resulted in a series of albums, European and African tours, and major South African music awards.
His music is deeply rooted in folk, African jazz and the a capella “mbube” music that Ladysmith Black Mambazo made famous.
Vusi’s songs found their way onto some high profile compilation albums, notably the Oscar-nominated “Mandela” soundtrack, the 1996 “Homegrown” Red Cross fund-raising CD as well as “African Troubadours”, a Shanachie Records release.
Vusi also received nominations for Best South African Artist and Best Music Video at the 1996 KORA All Africa Music Awards.
Over the past three years of heavy, world-wide touring and spreading his message, Mahlasela has remained true to his roots.
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