Acclaimed South African troubadour Vusi Mahlasela has been a busy man!

Acclaimed South African troubadour Vusi Mahlasela has been a busy man!

Mamelodi’s favorite globetrotting minstrel has recently been wowing local audiences with appearances at the annual Joy Of Jazz and Oppikoppi Festivals. Vusi also received warm receptions – and glowing reviews – when he teamed with fellow African music stars, Mali’s Habib Koite and Dobet Gnahore from Côte d’Ivoire, for a whirlwind Acoustic Africa Southern African tour in August.

Vusi is also featured on the recently released ‘Playing For Change – Songs Around The World’ CD/DVD project (www.playingforchange.com), and in June Vusi also made his debut at the Glastonbury Festival as part of this project’s appearance at the legendary event. Vusi also lends his vocal talents to the ‘Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales’ audio book charity project, which features the voice work of superstars Whoopi Goldberg, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Samuel L. Jackson and Helen Mirren amongst others. A long time 46664 campaign ambassador, in July Vusi participated in the global launch concert of the ‘Mandela Day’ iniative, playing in New York alongside many US industry luminaries such as Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean.

to make people laugh, though that can sometimes be difficult to translate.”

From humble beginnings in Mamelodi (where he still resides), Vusi has been steadily winning over legions of fans across the globe for almost two decades. Now, his loyal South African followers will get to better understand Vusi’s chosen career path and musical background;

Vusi forms the subject of an upcoming episode of ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, the locally produced version of the hit BBC series of the same name. Exploring both his paternal and maternal roots, Vusi found the filming process deeply emotional and significant, and viewers will now be able to come along for this amazing – at times spiritual – journey. The broadcast will be particularly poignant as Vusi’s Grandmother Ida – who single handedly raised him from the age of fourteen – passed away shortly after filming wrapped. The show is dedicated to her memory. Vusi’s episode of ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ will be featured on SABC2 at 9m on Sunday 13th September.

Looking forward, the man fans love to call ‘The Voice’ is set to perform at the 15th birthday celebrations of The Bassline, taking place at the Newtown venue on Saturday 12th September. In December 2009 Vusi will record a new album – his eighth – with legendary US blues/folk guitarist Keb’ ‘Mo in all likelihood handling the production duties. Watch this space ….

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