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. (link)
Playlist - HOUR ONE
Dave Matthews Band "Tripping Billies" Crash
Fleet Foxes "Grown Ocean" Helplessness Blues
Euphoria "Delerium" Euphoria
Vusi Mahlasela "Say Africa" Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Vusi Mahlasela "Antokwe" Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Vusi Mahlasela "Woza" Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Paul Simon "Rewrite" So Beautiful or So What
Chris Whitley "Living With the Law" Living With the Law
David Wax Museum "Born With a Broken Heart" Everything is Saved
Bob Dylan "Things Have Changed" Wonder Boys Soundtrack
Playlist - HOUR TWO
Vampire Weekend "Giving Up the Gun" Contra
Joseph Arthur "Over the Sun" The Graduation Ceremony
George Harrison "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" Living in the Material World
Cake "Sick of You" Showroom of Compassion
Death Cab for Cutie "You're a Tourist" Codes and Keys
David Bowie "This is Not America" Best Of
Ziggy Marley "Tomorrow People" Conscious Party
Dengue Fever "Cement Slippers" Cannibal Courtship
Drive-By Truckers "Used To Be a Cop" Go Go Boots
Warren Zevon "Carmelita" Warren Zevon
Tracy Chapman "Fast Car" Tracy Chapman
Middle Brother "Blood and Guts" Middle Brother