Vusi Mahlasela - The Voice

Those who have heard the Amandla! soundtrack will no doubt remember South African singer Vusi Mahlasela. His passionate, octave-leaping voice on "When You Come Back" sets a tone for the album, which adeptly documents the political and social music surrounding Nelson Mandela and the movement he led. In fact, Mahlasela actually sang at Mandela's inauguration, having been a veteran of many ANC rallies as well as a popular music figure. Signed by Dave Matthews to Ato, Mahlasela first domestic release collects 14 songs from his five South African albums. Some of The Voice's songs have a glossy world music sheen that isn't far from Peter Gabriel's recent work, but the album is balanced by songs in the more traditional and acoustic vein. Highlights include the bluesy "Red Song," which tells the story of three friends taking up arms for apartheid, the moody "Troubadour," and "Fountain," where Mahlasela’s vocal gymnastics will thrill fans of Youssou N'Dour. This is a must for fans of African pop music. --Tad Hendrickson Amazon.com

The man can sing!

I encountered Vusi in the film "Amandla" (which I also highly recommend) and was amazed by the smoothness of his voice. While I don't speak Zulu, the emotional content comes through loud and clear. One of the joys of "world music" is discovering great talents like Vusi and experiencing them "content free" without verbal comprehension. This is how many folk have experienced American music for many years; I suppose it led a lot of them to learn English. I may not ever learn Vusi's lingo (also that of Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba) but I repect it for it's speakers and the beauty that is carried therein. January 18, 2008

Amazing, new doors opened when I found this CD

His voice is everything that is said about it. Amazing, inspiring, beautiful.
I can't add much to the praise that has been said about this magical CD. I feel sorry for the people that may go their entire life without hearing this CD.

"When You Come Back" has quickly become one of my most listened to songs, and all time favorites.

All the struggle, beauty and hope that is characterized by South African music is embodied in this CD. A rare gem in every sense of the phrase. March 23, 2007

I learn something everytime I listen to this - which is often!

Having been married to a white South African, I knew a little something about the history of South Africa. But these songs really taught me how aparteid was viewed through the eyes of the oppressed. I am in awe of their hopefulness and ability to forgive in the face of such long-standing oppression. I wish we had such poetry and hope in our music instead of the angry rap and otherwise bland lovesongs that come out of the music industry in America. I saw Vusi at Carnegie Hall a few years back and vowed to track down whatever he has recorded. I am never disappointed.

I've heard Josh Grobin's new version of "Weeping" and frankly it seems almost sacreligious to have a white American guy sing it. But I guess he couldn't resist the beauty of it and I'm happy that a wider audience might hear it - but I'm guessing they'll have no idea what it is all about. Pity. February 13, 2007

An Amazing Collection

I just saw Vusi perform with the Putamayo Acoustic Africa tour and bought this CD there. Played it twice in a row the next day and almost daily since. This is a compilation of songs from his African releases and I cannot speak highly enough of it. Highly recommended to fans of Habib Koite and similar artists.....hauntingly beautiful, uplifting and full of the musical spirit that makes us all one people. Enjoy.....Kev November 17, 2006

A magical African world

I purchased this cd when it first came out & not one week goes by that I don't return to its lovely melodies. If you're a fan of Ladysmith Black Mambazo you are sure to enjoy this recording. July 11, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...