Say Africa

ATO Records presents Say Africa, the latest album from celebrated South African singer-songwriter, poet and activist Vusi Mahlasela. Say Africa, recorded at Dave Matthews Band's studio in Charlottesville, VA, is a collection of songs with a strong message of hope not only for South Africa, but for the entire continent. While hosting a benefit concert in San Francisco for 46664, Nelson Mandela's HIV/AIDS initiative, Vusi met legendary bluesman Taj Mahal. Two years later, Mahal came on as producer after hearing demos of some of Vusi's new songs. The album features bassist Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon), guitarist Mongezi Ntaka (Lucky Dube) and Ian Herman, Vusi's longtime South African band mate, drummer and musical director. Mahal contributes vocals and banjo to the exquisite love song, "In Anyway," while vocalist Angélique Kidjo guests on the rousing "Nakupenda Africa." The album closes with "Ntate Mandela," Vusi's tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Fusing folk, world, blues and soul music, Vusi bridges generations and continents with a universal message of freedom and the strength of the human spirit. Vusi is simply known as "The Voice" in his native South Africa - a nod to his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, Vusi became a singer-songwriter at an early age, teaching himself how to play guitar and later joining the Congress of South African Writers. He has released six studio albums in South Africa. His appearance in the documentary film Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony and on the accompanying soundtrack brought him to the attention of North American audiences.