Join an intimate afternoon in Mamelodi, Pretoria for a bespoke ‘ Vusi Mahlasela – Mamelodi township experience’.
Come and learn about Ubuntu and African Spirituality from iconic South African artist Vusi Mahlasela at his home in Mamelodi where you will enjoy an intimate musical performance and workshop presentation on various African guitar styles in a relaxed and casual setting.
In addition to this intimate musical experience you will also visit the home where Vusi grew up and visit his Grandmother’s shebeen, sample some ‘ umqombothi’ – African beer, and a South African staple meal of pap, marog and vleis (Maize and spinach and beef) and learn about Vusi’s upbringing, how he got into playing music, his political activism, personal connection to the late Nelson Mandela and rise to becoming an international ambassador of reconciliation, hope and peace. You will also learn about the history of Mamelodi and township music with the focus on Vusi as a central figure in the Mamelodi and South African folk music scene.
This is a rare opportunity to spend time with a political activist, poet, iconic musician and national treasure.
https://www.vusimahlasela.com/
Ubuntu meaning: ‘ Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others‘. It is often described as reminding us that ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’.
**Group bookings only** 10-30 constitutes a group
BIOGRAPHY
Vusi Mahlasela – simply known as ‘The Voice’ in our beautiful country, 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 on BMG Africa, “When You Come Back,” Vusi was asked to perform at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994and has toured globally to share the stage with Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Paul Simon, Josh Groban, Ray LaMontagne, Natalie Merchant, Taj Mahal, among many others.
In 2003, fellow South African Dave Matthews signed Vusi to ATO Records and began releasing his albums in North America to great acclaim.
Vusi has released nine beloved albums over the last two decades; his latest release is “Shebeen Queen” (ATO Records), is a celebration of the vibrant musical culture of his hometown, first encountered at his grandmother’s shebeen.
Vusi Mahlasela’s latest album ‘Umoya’ is out now. This extraordinary and deeply personal work is Vusi’s first studio album of new songs in 13 years. The eagerly critically acclaimed set was recorded at Flame Studios at Constitution Hill, and produced by multiple Grammy Award winner JB Arthur. Working with a small crew of young musicians – several of whom are graduates of Vusi’s own music development foundation – Umoya is a welcome return to Vusi’s folk music roots.
Vusi Mahlasela is performing regularly with his most noted performance being with the super Dave Mathews Band in December 2023
Vusi’s home in MAMELODI
Vusi with longtime friend – Dave Matthews
Keb’ Mo’ & Dave Matthews visits Vusi in Mamelodi
International student groups visiting Vusi for a bespoke performance and cultural presentation
Vusi entertaining guests at his home in Mamelodi
We facilitate the following offerings:
-
Group bookings – Local and international groups
-
Corporate ‘ Team building sessions’.
-
Corporate executive integrative experience