Vusi Mahlasela, affectionately known as “The Voice” of South Africa, is a distinguished singer-songwriter and poet whose powerful, evocative voice resonates with the spirit of his homeland. Born and raised in the Mamelodi Township, Vusi transformed his experiences in a country marred by Apartheid into poignant lyrical expressions of hope and unity. His music serves as a bridge, connecting South Africa’s troubled past with its aspirations for a brighter future.

From a young age, Vusi honed his talents as a self-taught guitarist and poet-activist, later joining the Congress of South African Writers. His formidable debut album, “When You Come Back,” propelled him into the international spotlight, culminating in a historic performance at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994. Since then, Vusi has graced stages worldwide, sharing his message of resilience alongside icons such as Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Paul Simon, and many others.

In 2003, Vusi’s artistry caught the attention of fellow South African Dave Matthews, who signed him to ATO Records, leading to a series of acclaimed releases in North America. A highlight of his career came in 2013 when he opened for the Dave Matthews Band during their first performance in South Africa. His participation in the 2010 World Cup celebrations, where his iconic song “When You Come Back” became the theme for ITV’s coverage, solidified his position as a cultural icon.

Over the past two decades, Vusi has released ten celebrated albums, with his latest, “Umoya,” launched in September 2023. This deeply personal work, his first collection of new songs in thirteen years, showcases his folk music roots and was produced collaboratively with young musicians from his music development foundation. “Umoya” has earned critical acclaim, including nominations for two South African Music Awards and consideration for a Grammy as Best Global Music Album.