Vusi Mahlasela

A consortium of top African artists have created a song and music video rooted in African values of friendship, generosity, sharing and togetherness. Every artist recorded their music and video content independently from where they are around the world, offering a truly pan-African message to the rest of the planet around the COVID-19 pandemic, not focusing on hygiene or social distancing – instead, a call to action for all to heal the world together based on our common humanity.

The news of the passing of Baba Joseph Shabalala came as a shock to me on Tuesday morning as I was getting ready for the day. A powerful soul that always had positive and great input into the arts industry.

I had the pleasure of touring and working with Ladysmith Black Mambazo under the leadership of Dr Shabalala in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. As their opening act, I gained a big fan base because of their big following in the world.

I learned a lot from bab’Shabalala; always humble and always inviting me to their changing room for a prayer before the show.

I recorded a song called "Heaven in My Heart" with Mambazo. He rendered unselfishly a leading voice collaborating with my voice on the song. He treated me like one of his sons.

Mambazo and bab’Shabalala were truly blessed with the gift of song, spiritually gifted and they were able to export our rich typical South African cultural music to the world.

The passing of Johnny Clegg came as a shock as its always not easy to accept a passing of a great man. We have lost a great musician, songwriter, husband, father and a friend to many.

We have worked together on platforms like the the Nelson Mandela’s 46664 and other shows/music festivals in South Africa and other countries on many occasions. He contributed a lot musically and also embraced ubuntu.

Johnny was one versatile artist, with his flexibility to use South African cultures and languages in conveying his message through music.

He was advocating for better education on initiatives like the Click Foundation that helps underprivileged learners to understand the fundamentals of language.

He was a great colleague to many of us and that has earned him a beautiful tribute while he was still alive by a group of artists (friends of Johnny Clegg) that re-recorded his song “The Crossing” in 2018. With his inspiration to support education, this project was also an initiative to raise funds for the Click Foundation. I feel so privileged to being part of such a recording organized by Karen Zoid.

Condolences to his family,colleagues, friends and all his fans throughout the world.

The passing of Oliver Mtukudzi yesterday came as a shock to me. Oliver was really like a brother to me and whenever we shared the stage together, I knew it was going to be awesome.

As we were both traveling around the world touring internationally and playing at many of the same venues, we’d often be like two ships in the night.  I’d notice he’d be performing in the same venue after me and I’d leave him a note and he’d do the same.  Sharing the stage with him at festivals was always a good time as we’d end up going to friends’ houses after the gig and eating dinner together and discussing music, life and future plans.  I was so looking forward to that kind of hang with him at the upcoming Cape Town Jazz Festival in March where we were planning a collaborative show.  

He was a true soldier in song and in dance— his activism contributed a lot of Ubuntu and humanity to the world. I'm so devastated by his loss and send  my deepest condolences to the Mtukudzi family and all of his many fans around the world.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

Over 50 artists have came together to pay tribute to South African artists Johnny Clegg with their own rendition of his soulful song, 'The Crossing'.

ONE NIGHT ONLY! Karen Zoid and friends are going to bring down the house in this exceptional live performance. Expect some of the biggest hits from her award winning TV show, as well as a special appearances by Mielie Senekal and more.

With Karen Zoid, Francois van Coke, Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground) Kahn Morbee (Parlotones), Jo Black, Vusi Mahlasela, Ross Learmouth (Prime Circle).

Vusi Mahlasela, popularly called "The Voice of South Africa," who was set to be conferred with a honorary doctorate by the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal for his contribution to society  through his music could not receive his award this week due to illness. The university said it hopes the musician will be well enough to receive the degree at its spring graduation ceremony in September, 2018.