South African folk guitarist Vusi Mahlasela has been recording for 15 years, while serving as a prominent voice of the anti-apartheid movement. As a child in the '70s, Mahlasela began learning music after crafting his own guitar out of fishing line and tin. Soon, he began writing poetry, mostly about freedom, equality and protest of the apartheid government.
In 1991, Mahlasela recorded his debut album, When You Come Back, which launched his career as a South African icon. He performed at Nelson Mandela's inauguration ceremony, and has since recorded five more studio albums, a live disc and a compilation designed to expand his audience to America. He's also written and composed movie scores, the most notable of which was for the 2005 South African film Tsotsi. Mahlasela recorded his most recent album, Guiding Star, with many friends as he toured the globe.
Copyright 2007 XPN
