Twenty years ago, folk-singer, world-troubadour and widely celebrated poet-activist Vusi Mahlasela, simply known as “The Voice”, recorded his first album, When You Come Back. The title-track instantly became an anthem in Vusi’s native South Africa as his country fought hard to end, and then heal, from the brutal Apartheid regime that had divided the country since 1948. In celebration of this milestone, Vusi has released Sing to the People – a live album recorded at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sing to the People: iTunes / Amazon / ATO Store

Sing to the People contains joyful performances of songs recorded throughout the first twenty years of Vusi’s career as well as the visceral sounds of an audience responding to every familiar note. In the a capella intro to the song “When You Come Back,” Vusi’s signature and unmistakable bird-like voice soars “Sing Loud and SING TO THE PEOPLE.”  Although written nearly 25 years ago the meaning of the song has evolved but the prevailing theme remains the same. It’s a “call for humanity,” says The Voice. “I ask that we ‘give something to the world and not just take from it.’” The message is universal and remains relevant today.

VUSI MAHLASELA WINTER TOUR SCHEDULE:

^ with the Carolina Chocolate Drops

Jan. 30           Stanford, CA                         Bing Concert Hall (at Stanford University)

Jan. 31           Napa, CA                                           Napa Valley Opera House

Feb. 1             Los Angeles, CA                  The Mint

Feb. 2             Denver, CO                           Daniels Hall

Feb. 4             Phoenix, AZ                           MIM Music Theatre

Feb. 7             Berea, KY                              Phelps Stokes Auditorium (at Berea College)

Feb. 8             Chapel Hill, NC                    Memorial Hall, UNC Chapel Hill ^

Feb. 9             Charlottesville, VA   The Jefferson Theatre

Feb. 10          Washington, DC                  The Hamilton

Feb. 11          Minneapolis, MN                  Dakota Jazz Club

Feb. 12          Cedar Rapids, IA     CSPS

Feb. 14          Des Moines, IA                     Civic Center’s Temple Theatre

Feb. 15          Madison, WI                          The Sett (at University of Wisconsin Madison)

Feb. 16          Chicago, IL                           City Winery

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