February 21, 2017 8:00PM Vusi Mahlasela at World Cafe Live PHL

Vusi grew up in the Mamelodi township, just outside of Pretoria, South Africa, where he still resides. Vusi built his first guitar from fishing line and a cooking oil can and taught himself how to play. In 1976, Vusi’s political education began as he witnessed the devastating massacre of more than 200 black South Africans in the Soweto Uprising. Vusi responded through his music, inspiring other musicians and listeners around him. Vusi began to write songs of justice, freedom, revolution, love, peace and life. At the fall of Apartheid, Vusi was signed to Shifty Records/BMG records and finally recorded his first album—a collection of songs he’d been writing his whole life.

Since the release of that first album, Vusi has traveled the globe sharing his songs of truth and hope, and sharing his country’s past and promise for a better future. His albums have received mass critical acclaim and celebrated musicians have taken note of his powerful voice and message. As the LA Times puts it, Vusi is a “rare and mesmerizing musical mind.. with a voice that seems to have few limits.” Vusi has shared the stage with Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Josh Groban, Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo, Bela Fleck, Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee and many more.
Venue Information:
World Cafe Live Philadelphia - Upstairs
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19104
http://philly.worldcafelive.com/

Tickets: $22 + fees