Vusi Mahlasela is more than just a popular musician in South Africa. His simple yet powerful storytelling has helped connect and carry a nation recovering from an apartheid past. Despite a commitment to social activism, Mahlasela still makes music a priority — he recognizes the power that his talent has in bringing hope to others in South Africa.
Known as "The Voice" throughout his home-country, Mahlasela taught himself guitar at an early age and put his poetry to music. He also combined his love of music with social change early on, joining the activist Congress of South African Writers. His popular full-length debut, When You Come Back, led to an invitation to perform at Nelson Mandela's inauguration.
Mahlasela recently released his seventh studio album, Say Africa, which includes contributions from singer Angélique Kidjo and bassist Bakithi Kumalo. Hear Mahlasela perform songs from the new album live and visit with World Cafe host David Dye.
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