An Evening with Vusi Mahlasela UKZN Jazzcentre

Vusi Mahlasela is simply known as ‘The Voice’ in South Africa IS celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics.
His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, Vusi became a singer-songwriter and poet-activist at an early age teaching himself how to play guitar and later joining the Congress of South African Writers.
After his popular debut “When You Come Back,” Vusi was asked to perform at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994.

This One night only is proudly sponsored by Cameron Schrier Foundation. In support of the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship.
Vusi has toured globally and shared the stage with Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Paul Simon, Josh Groban,

He released nine beloved albums over the last two decades. His latest release is “Shebeen Queen” , is a celebration of the vibrant musical culture of his hometown, first encountered at his grandmother’s shebeen. In light of his international and national acclaim, the SAMA Awards (South African Music Awards) honored Vusi with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Vusi was proud to have been an ambassador to Nelson Mandela’s 46664 campaign (an awareness effort surrounding the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa). Vusi holds an honorary doctorate degree from the prestigious Rhodes University in Grahamstown, SA. This fall, Vusi received a second honorary doctorate degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. South African President Ramaphosa recently recognized Vusi cultural contributions with a national “Ubuntu and Culture” award. Additionally, South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma awarded Vusi with the National Order of Ikhamanga, recognizing him for “drawing attention to the injustices that isolated South Africa from the global community during the Apartheid years.”