Vusi Mahlasela

Vusi Mahlasela is a celebrated South Africa singer-songwriters, revered around the world as ‘The Voice’ for his powerful vocals, poetic songwriting and enduring messages of hope, freedom and reconciliation. Born Vusi Sidney Mahlasela ka Zwane in Mamelodi, Pretoria, he grew up during the apartheid era, where music became both a form of expression and a tool for resistance. Teaching himself to play guitar on a homemade instrument before receiving formal lessons, Mahlasela developed a distinctive blend of African folk, traditional music and contemporary songwriting that would earn him international acclaim.

His early involvement with the Congress of South African Writers and performances at political gatherings established him as an important cultural voice during South Africa's struggle for democracy. Mahlasela rose to prominence with his 1992 debut album When You Come Back, whose title track became one of South Africa's most beloved songs and was later used as the theme for ITV's coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Other signature songs include Thula Mama, Silang Mabele, Say Africa, Woza, Melodi Ya Mamelodi, River Jordan and Ubuhle Bomhlaba, all of which showcase his uplifting lyrics and unmistakable voice. Following South Africa's first democratic elections, he performed at Nelson Mandela's presidential inauguration in 1994, cementing his place as one of the nation's musical ambassadors.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Vusi has collaborated and shared the stage with an extraordinary range of artists including Dave Matthews, Paul Simon, Sting, Josh Groban, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Angelique Kidjo, Bela Fleck, Taj Mahal, Hugh Masekela and Ray LaMontagne. His music has featured in the Academy Award-winning South African film Tsotsi, while his performances at Live 8, Live Earth, Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations and the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert introduced his music to global audiences.

His many honours include the Best Male Artist award at the South African Music Awards for Guiding Star (Naledi Ya Tsela), a SAMA Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to music and the struggle for freedom, and honorary doctorates from Rhodes University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Through his music and humanitarian work, Vusi Mahlasela has become far more than an acclaimed performer. He is recognised as one of South Africa's greatest musical storytellers, using song to promote unity, compassion and the enduring spirit of the nation.