Vusi Mahlasela

Vusi Mahlasela is a South African singer-songwriter and poet-activist, known as "The Voice" in his home country. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, he taught himself to play guitar. His music, generally described as African folk, was an inspiration to many in the anti-apartheid movement, and his themes include the struggle for freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation with enemies. After his debut on BMG Africa, "When You Come Back", he performed at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994. Dave Matthews signed him to ATO Records in 2003, and he has shared stages with Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon and Sting. The SAMA Awards honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. His 2023 album Umoya was nominated for a SAMA, and his new album, Questions and Answers, followed in 2026, its title track announced in November 2025.